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Greece tax evasion investigations reveal multi-million euro fraud networks
Authorities in Greece are investigating several large-scale tax evasion and money laundering schemes involving hundreds of millions of euros. These cases involve diverse methods, including the use of shell companies, straw men, and triangular transactions to conceal the origin of funds.
One major investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office focuses on the Calypso operation, which allegedly caused 700 million euros in damages through the misuse of VAT and customs duties. This network utilized the Port of Piraeus as a gateway for Chinese products, including clothing and electronics, using undervalued imports and incorrect classifications. By September 2025, authorities had seized 2,435 containers valued at approximately 250 million euros.
Another significant case involves the "Choriatiko" network led by businessman Angelos Giannakopoulos. This group allegedly operated a sophisticated system to accumulate millions in illicit profits, utilizing access to state mechanisms such as EFKA and the Labor Inspectorate. The investigation has led to ten arrests, including the daughter of the alleged chief accountant. Financial traces show massive cash withdrawals from strip clubs and businesses in Mykonos, with funds being moved through Dubai, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Denmark to be reinvested in Greek real estate.
Additionally, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has identified cases involving mobile phone sales being falsely reported as exports to other EU countries. In one instance, three companies faced taxes and fines totaling 130.52 million euros for the 2017–2018 period.
Entities
Angelos Giannakopoulos · Dubai · European Public Prosecutor's Office · Greece · Independent Authority for Public Revenue · Mykonos · Piraeus
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ten people have been detained in connection with the criminal network led by Angelos Giannakopoulos. www.sofokleousin.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The network allegedly used shell companies in Dubai to issue invoices to Greek businesses and move funds abroad. www.sofokleousin.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Three companies were hit with 130.52 million euros in taxes and fines for mobile phone sales fraud during 2017–2018. kriti360.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] By September 2025, 2,435 containers with an estimated value of 250 million euros were seized at Piraeus. kriti360.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Giannakopoulos network allegedly made nearly 25 million euros in cash withdrawals from strip clubs in Attica and Mykonos between 2020 and 2026. www.sofokleousin.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Calypso operation is estimated to have caused 700 million euros in damages. kriti360.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AADE recorded 107 case files involving 399 individuals in the first quarter of 2026 alone. www.larissapress.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Calypso network involves approximately 250 million euros in customs duties and 450 million euros in VAT. kriti360.gr