Philippos Kambouris arrested in Greek fraud and tax evasion probe

Philippos Kambouris e-EFKA fraud criminal organization tax evasion LAOS party

Philippos Kambouris, president of the extra-parliamentary LAOS party and a former television presenter, has been arrested as a leading member of a criminal organization accused of large-scale fraud and tax evasion. The group allegedly operated since 2021, utilizing a network of approximately 25 shell companies—including restaurants, nightclubs, and advertising agencies—to avoid paying social security contributions and taxes.

Authorities estimate the total damage to the Greek State at over 5 million euros, with approximately 1.5 million euros specifically attributed to fraud against the e-EFKA social security system. The organization reportedly used 'straw men'—often economically vulnerable individuals—to act as formal managers of these companies to shield the real controllers from responsibility.

In addition to the fraud charges, prosecutors are investigating potential tax evasion involving undeclared income and improper VAT filings. Eleven individuals have been charged, including Kambouris and his wife, who is also accused of playing a central role. Several well-known singers have been called to testify as witnesses. The defendants have requested a postponement to prepare their defense, maintaining their innocence and arguing that the matter concerns outstanding debts rather than criminal fraud.

Entities

Anna Sinouli · Anna Synouli · Attica · Filippos Kambouris · Financial Crimes Unit · Greece · Greek State · Hellenic Police · LAOS Party · Laos · Philippos Kambouris · e-EFKA

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 20 SOURCES] The criminal organization allegedly operated since 2021. ufight.gr · fimotro.gr · pellasimera.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · www.press-gr.com · +11 more
[● 20 SOURCES] The total damage to the Greek State is estimated at approximately 5 million euros. ufight.gr · www.zarpanews.gr · fimotro.gr · rpn.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · +14 more
[● 20 SOURCES] Eight people have been arrested in Attica as part of an operation against a criminal organization. ufight.gr · fimotro.gr · pellasimera.gr · www.press-gr.com · www.reader.gr · +12 more
[● 23 SOURCES] The damage specifically to e-EFKA is estimated at 1.5 million euros. ufight.gr · fimotro.gr · pellasimera.gr · rpn.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · +16 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The investigation was triggered by a complaint from a former employee regarding tax discrepancies. www.flash.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · www.thessaliatv.gr
[● 11 SOURCES] The network involved approximately 25 shell companies. www.flash.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · www.thessaliatv.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.larissanet.gr · +6 more
[● 21 SOURCES] The organization used 'straw men' to act as formal managers of companies while real controllers avoided responsibility. ufight.gr · fimotro.gr · pellasimera.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · www.press-gr.com · +13 more
[● 26 SOURCES] Philippos Kambouris, president of the LAOS party, was arrested as a leading member of the organization. ufight.gr · fimotro.gr · pellasimera.gr · www.reader.gr · www.lykavitos.gr · +20 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The prosecutor filed charges against 11 individuals. www.ekirikas.com · www.bizznews.gr · lawandorder.gr