Vasilis Papageorgopoulos held liable for 8.2M euro deficit

The Court of Audit has rejected the appeal of former Thessaloniki Mayor Vasilis Papageorgopoulos, finalizing his financial liability for an 8.2 million euro deficit discovered in the municipality's accounts in 2006. The deficit, which includes principal amounts and interest, involved social security contributions and withholdings for third parties that were recorded as paid but were not confirmed by the respective agencies.

The Court ruled that Papageorgopoulos was responsible for the damage because, in his capacity as mayor, he had authorized the management of these funds by allowing cash payments without the prior issuance of financial warrants. He also decided that the verification of these withholdings would occur at the end of the fiscal year rather than monthly, which hindered the detection of non-genuine documentation.

Papageorgopoulos, who served three terms as mayor, has previously faced criminal convictions related to the embezzlement scandal. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, labeling it “expected” and claiming it is based on incorrect judicial decisions. He has announced plans to address the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Supreme Court via an open letter.

In separate sports news, OFI Crete is preparing for a decisive match against CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria. Following a 3-0 victory in the first leg, the team seeks to secure qualification for the Europa League League Phase. Coach Christos Kontis has called for absolute concentration as the team travels to Sofia.