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Katerini Urban Planning corruption ring investigation
Authorities are investigating an alleged organized corruption ring operating within the Katerini Urban Planning Department. Eleven individuals, including four department employees (among them the director) and seven private engineers, have been arrested and are facing charges such as bribery, gang activity, forgery, and money laundering.
The investigation, which began following a complaint in December 2025, suggests a systematic "tariff" structure for illegal services. Fees reportedly ranged from 150 euros for building permits to between 6,000 and 7,000 euros for the legalization of unauthorized constructions. To avoid detection, payments were allegedly made via envelopes, planners, or courier services to relatives, and sometimes included goods like furniture and electronics.
Law enforcement has seized approximately 265,000 euros, 38 English gold sovereigns, and other valuables. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority has also ordered the freezing of assets for the 11 defendants and is conducting a five-year financial audit, including bank transactions and gambling activities, to trace the estimated 135,000 euros in illegal proceeds. An extensive case file includes an additional 64 individuals.
Entities
Anti-Money Laundering Authority · Athens · Greece · Greek Police · Greek Prosecutor · Hellenic Police · Internal Affairs Service · Katerini · Katerini Urban Planning Department · Ministry of Citizen Protection · Organized Crime Unit
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Organized Crime Unit conducted an operation to dismantle the ring.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prosecutors filed charges for 13 felonies and three misdemeanors against the suspects.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Five young suspects were brought before the prosecutor.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The suspects face charges for the possession and manufacture of explosives.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Four other individuals, including a suspected ringleader, are included in the case file and are currently in prison.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Charges include attempted murder with intent and the formation of a criminal organization.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The criminal group allegedly targeted business owners, specifically in the hospitality sector, for extortion.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The group is accused of involvement in arson and grenade attacks in Athens.