56 arrests: How the "Choriatiko" tax evasion network was dismantled
Angelos Giannakopulos, owner of the "Choriatiko" bakery chain, has been arrested on suspicion of tax fraud worth millions. A total of 56 arrests made in Attica, Mykonos, Rhodes and Volos.
Tax evasion worth millions behind the "Choriatiko" bakery chain
Angelos Giannakopulos, 57, owner of the "Choriatiko" bakery chain, is now in the hands of Greek police, accused of tax fraud amounting to several million euros. According to in.gr, the case was uncovered following a lengthy and persistent investigation by the Greek FBI, which lasted approximately one year.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint from the owner of a nightclub in Mykonos with whom Giannakopulos was in litigation, as he sought to acquire ownership of the establishment. "However, there were other complaints about his activities in Mykonos and Rhodes," said Vasilis Lampropoulos, a police reporter for the newspapers "Ta Nea" and "To Vima".
Fictitious companies and front men
According to the information provided by Lampropoulos, the accused, in cooperation with accountants, proceeded to create fictitious companies, which appeared on paper as owners of the chain's stores. The goal was to avoid paying VAT and contributions to EFKA; the fictitious companies would "close down" before the legal deadline was exceeded.
Among those arrested is Giannakopulos's accountant-collaborator, as well as front men who were used to appear as legitimate business owners. A total of 520 companies are under investigation, including bakeries and nightclubs.
Two months in Dubai — and a trap for his return
Giannakopulos, according to Lampropoulos, had gained access to information from the state apparatus and knew that an investigation was being conducted against him. "He had left for a period of approximately two months in Dubai. He had the feeling that he would be arrested at any moment," said the journalist.
To persuade him to return to Greece, police officers resorted to a trick: they conducted a visible search of a strip club in central Athens, in which he himself appeared to have an interest. "He was reassured that ultimately this investigation would concern that strip club," Lampropoulos explained. He returned to Greece and was arrested whilst apparently preparing to depart for Albania.
"White Bread" operation and new investigations into exploitation of women
This is not the first time the name Giannakopulos has been linked to investigations. In the context of the "White Bread" operation, he had been charged with procuring and money laundering through the channelling of revenue from nightclubs and strip clubs into the bakery chain. He was acquitted at that time.
Current authorities, however, are investigating once again the operation of specialised websites that were used for the promotion of women. Several people with key roles in the network have come under scrutiny, including women.
56 arrests in four regions
To date, 56 arrests have been made, with operations taking place simultaneously in Attica, Mykonos, Rhodes and Volos, across all the businesses and stores of the 57-year-old entrepreneur. Investigations are continuing.
Source: in.gr