NGO Paidiki Chara investigated for alleged multi-million euro fraud

Greek authorities are investigating the NGO Paidiki Chara following allegations of a large-scale fraud scheme. The organization, led by Konstantinos Finiridis and his partner, is accused of misappropriating donations intended for children suffering from severe illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.

The investigation was triggered by two identical emails sent in July 2024 and January 2025, which raised concerns regarding the organization's transparency and financial management. Investigators noted a lack of information on the NGO's website regarding its leadership and the use of funds. One profile, Jessica Brown, was also flagged as potentially inauthentic.

Financial records indicate that total credits to the NGO's bank accounts, including PayPal deposits, exceeded 4.5 million euros between 2019 and 2026. While the organization used emotional appeals to solicit funds, victims and whistleblowers allege that the money did not reach the intended families. One entrepreneur reported that the NGO used photos of deceased children to solicit donations, claiming they were using images from Google to protect the children's privacy.

Businesswoman Dimitra Katsafadou has publicly stated she bypassed the NGO to provide direct financial support to families, totaling over 33,000 euros, after questioning the legitimacy of the organization's claims.