'Choriátiko' case: 149 suspects, 520 accounts and investigation into state officials
Testimonies from 59 defendants begin, whilst authorities intensively investigate involvement of public servants in tax evasion and money laundering.
State officials at the centre of investigation into 'Choriátiko'
One hundred and forty-nine natural persons, 520 bank accounts with 320 listed beneficiaries and thirteen names of foreigners found to correspond to non-existent individuals — this is the picture emerging from the 700 pages of the dispatch compiled by the Hellenic Police for the case of the 'To Choriátiko' bakery chain, according to In.gr.
From today onwards, testimonies from the 59 defendants begin, who will be examined in groups of three by different investigating magistrates. Meanwhile, the attention of the authorities has turned towards indications of involvement by state officials who are said to have facilitated the network through contacts at the Social Insurance Foundation, the Labour Inspectorate, municipal authorities and the Police.
What the surveillance recordings reveal
From the recorded conversations included in the case file, according to information, specific instances of improper communication emerge with those involved in the case.
A police officer was found in continuous contact with members of the network regarding the operation of a night-time strip club centre in Athens, which belonged to corporate entities controlled by Ángelos Giannakopoulos. A public official provided timely information about administrative decisions and impending competitive procedures, and is said to have guided the preparation of documentation so that companies which had initially been excluded could return to public property concession procedures.
Contact is also reported with a mayor who met with someone involved in the case; in the possession of the latter was found a confidential document from the National Transparency Authority addressed to the mayor himself, concerning aspects of tax fraud.
Money laundering, tax evasion and concessions in Rhodes and Mykonos
The case file includes serious indications of tax fraud, money laundering and preferential treatment in tenders for beaches and other activities in Rhodes and Mykonos. The network of companies extended to many foreign countries, with accounts under supervision.
Investigation in progress by the Hellenic Police and the Authority Against Money Laundering
The investigation into the involvement of state officials is continuing at an intensive pace, according to competent authorities, both by the Police and by the Authority Against Normalisation of Proceeds from Criminal Activities, which has participated in the investigations from the outset. Its role is characterised as decisive for the revelation of aspects of the case still unclarified.
For the criminal treatment of the defendants, an investigating magistrate and a public prosecutor will decide after the completion of the testimonies.
Source: In.gr