Greece: Money laundering methods in the hospitality sector

Criminal organizations are using hospitality businesses, such as coffee chains, bakeries, and restaurants, to launder millions of euros in illicit funds. By using legitimate business credentials like tax IDs and bank accounts, these entities mask the origin of criminal proceeds by mixing them with legal revenue.

Common tactics include the use of shell companies, fictitious sales, and fake invoices. In some instances, the true owners hide behind proxy individuals or other corporations. Another prevalent method involves triangular transactions, where three or more businesses engage in commercial acts to obscure the ultimate destination or origin of the money.