Katerini Urban Planning officials detained in corruption probe

Three officials from the Katerini Urban Planning department have been placed in pre-trial detention following an investigation by the Hellenic Police Internal Affairs Service. The detainees include the 62-year-old director of the service, a 67-year-old department head, and a 49-year-old employee.

The investigation uncovered an alleged corruption ring involving 151 instances of suspected criminal activity, with total bribes and illegal exchanges estimated at 138,000 euros. The scheme reportedly involved illegal payments for the issuance of building permits and the expedited processing of urban planning matters.

The accused individuals have denied the allegations. The director claimed that any private work involving structural studies was unrelated to his official duties, while the department head asserted that mentioned funds pertained to his daughter's private business. The employee maintained that any income received was from her private professional activities and did not affect her official responsibilities.

Of the 11 total individuals arrested, eight others, including seven private engineers and one consultant, were released under restrictive conditions or with financial guarantees.