Pizza Fan investigation reveals massive tax evasion scheme

Pizza Fan tax evasion Greece money laundering labor rights

Authorities in Greece are investigating a large-scale tax evasion and money laundering scheme involving the Pizza Fan chain. The investigation centers on an organized criminal group that allegedly used specialized software to hide sales and avoid issuing legal receipts. This mechanism, referred to in internal communications as ‘kerasma’ (treat), allowed certain transactions to bypass the tax system.

The estimated damage to the Greek state is significant, with reports citing figures ranging from 25 million to over 150 million euros in hidden taxable material. During searches, police discovered a hidden vault in the owner's villa containing 1.1 million euros in cash and over 90 luxury watches, including brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe, with some pieces valued as high as 1.5 million dollars.

The scandal has left approximately 2,500 employees in a state of uncertainty as stores remain closed and the company's call center and ordering software have been seized. While the Ministry of Labour states that no mass layoffs have occurred yet, labor unions are organizing protests to demand the protection of wages and social security benefits. Meanwhile, there are unofficial discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the brand to ensure its continued operation.

Entities

Economic Police · Financial Police · Greece · Greek Economic Crime Unit · Greek Economic Police · Greek Financial Police · Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue · Greek Ministry of Labour · Greek Police · Greek State · Hellenic Police · Independent Authority for Public Revenue

Claims

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

[● 6 SOURCES] Police seized 92 luxury watches and jewelry during the investigation. www.gargalianoionline.gr · patrapress.gr
[● 12 SOURCES] The tax evasion scheme is estimated to have caused over €35 million in losses to the Greek state. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · tempo24.news · www.thebest.gr · www.paraskhnio.gr
[DISPUTED] Approximately 2,500 employees are affected by the closure of the stores. tempo24.news · www.thebest.gr · www.flash.gr
[● 6 SOURCES] A secret vault containing €1.1 million was found in the owner's villa. www.gargalianoionline.gr · patrapress.gr
[● 4 SOURCES] A total of 126 people have been charged in the case.
[● 11 SOURCES] The software was designed to avoid issuing receipts for orders under €40. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.kaliterilamia.gr · www.paraskhnio.gr
[DISPUTED] The fraud began in 2016. www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.fortunegreece.com
[● 16 SOURCES] Specialized software included a 'kerasma' function to complete transactions without issuing receipts. www.eleftherostypos.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr · www.kaliterilamia.gr · www.fortunegreece.com · www.paraskhnio.gr · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Police seized 92 luxury watches during the investigation. patrapress.gr · www.gargalianoionline.gr
[● 24 SOURCES] The Pizza Fan chain is under investigation for a multi-million euro tax evasion case. cretaone.gr · tempo24.news · www.thebest.gr · www.astratv.gr · www.in.gr · +18 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The employer is legally required to pay all wages and benefits to employees. cretaone.gr · www.astratv.gr · lawandorder.gr · www.ilialive.gr · e-thessalia.gr
[● 14 SOURCES] There are approximately 2,500 employees at Pizza Fan. www.astratv.gr · lawandorder.gr · tempo24.news · www.thebest.gr · www.flash.gr · +7 more