The "Choriátiko" case: Statements from 59 defendants – police officers and civil servants under scrutiny
Statements have begun at the Evelpidon courts for the 59 arrested in the "Choriátiko" case, with tax evasion, money laundering and pimping in the indictment.
Statements in the "Choriátiko" bakery chain case – police officers and tax officials under investigation
Statements began today, Thursday 29 October, at the courts of the former Evelpidon School for the 59 defendants in the case of the "Choriátiko" bakery chain, according to Newsit.gr. Those in the dock are facing charges of tax evasion of millions of euros, money laundering and a series of other serious offences.
The first 30 defendants began appearing before the examining magistrate from 09:30 in the morning. At 18:00, the statement of the 57-year-old owner of the chain was scheduled, whom the authorities believe to be the head of the organisation. The statements of the remaining defendants are scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 30 October.
Police officers and civil servants under the microscope
Parallel to the statements, the investigation is taking on new dimensions. The voluminous case file, exceeding 500 pages, is being forwarded to the Internal Affairs Service of the Greek Police (EL.AS.), so that the role of state officials mentioned in the case can be examined. The focus is on employees of the Tax Office, EFKA and the Labour Inspectorate, who are alleged to have either warned in advance about forthcoming inspections or overlooked violations.
Particular weight is being given to the identification of two police officers with involvement in the case. The first is alleged to have acted as an informant, informing members of the organisation about forthcoming inspections. The second is alleged to have received €1,500 from a defendant, though the reason for the payment has not been clarified. There is also an investigation into the possibility that there was a third person within EL.AS. who is alleged to have warned the 57-year-old about his impending arrest – a fact that forced him to constantly change his places of residence, without ultimately managing to avoid detection.
Code names and gifts to officials
The case file describes a communication system using pseudonyms and code words. The 57-year-old owner was referred to by associates as "Big Man" and "Daddy", whilst a significant role in the organisation is attributed to a 47-year-old woman. Persons with whom the network maintained contacts were referred to using code names such as "godparents", "ours", "cousins" and "aunts".
One of the most characteristic references concerns a workplace accident that occurred a few months ago at a bakery on Syngrou Avenue. The 47-year-old is alleged to have contacted a supervisor at the Labour Inspectorate and subsequently asked an associate to buy expensive fragrances and lipstick for at least ten civil servants who would participate in the inspection. These gifts were referred to internally as "little lipsticks". The authorities are investigating whether they were used as payment for favourable treatment.
Money in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark and property in Mykonos
A significant part of the investigation concerns the trail of money. According to the findings of the so-called "Greek FBI", members of the alleged organisation used business structures and corporate arrangements to transfer money abroad. Under scrutiny are transactions linked to Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Denmark.
Also being investigated is the purchase of property in Mykonos, worth at least €2.6 million, as a possible investment for the legalisation of proceeds. The case file includes references to companies in Dubai, through which invoices are alleged to have been issued corresponding to 10 per cent of profits. Money was transferred abroad and returned to Greece in cash, according to the scheme under investigation.
Strip clubs and allegations of sexual exploitation
The case is not limited to economic violations. Persons connected with the alleged organisation were active in the nightlife sector, with two strip clubs on Syngrou Avenue, one in Ilizia and one in Mykonos. The authorities are examining allegations of sexual exploitation and coercion of women, as well as the possibility that proceeds from these activities were channelled into bakery businesses so as to appear legitimate. These are claims that are the subject of criminal investigation and do not constitute established facts.
Nine felonies and two misdemeanours
Against the 59 arrested, criminal prosecution has been brought, as appropriate, for nine felonies and two misdemeanours. The indictment includes, among other things, establishment and management of a criminal organisation, fraud against the state, tax evasion, forgery, money laundering from criminal activities, pimping and robbery. The financial charges concern alleged frauds exceeding €120,000 and tax evasion surpassing €150,000 through inaccurate declarations and failure to pay VAT. At misdemeanour level, charges are included for failure to pay insurance contributions on time and fraud committed jointly.
Following the completion of the statements, the examining magistrate and the prosecutor will decide separately for each defendant, examining whether conditions are met for pre-trial detention or the imposition of restrictive terms. The investigation by Internal Affairs is expected to shed light on the role of state officials who appear in the case file.
Source: Newsit.gr