×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Friday
16
Jan 2026
weather symbol
Athens 16°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Greece

State suffers over €2.1 million loss from EFKA – Fraud scheme involving clothing companies

Six members of the organisation were arrested - The role of the accountant who advised the criminal organisation

Newsroom October 15 07:19

A criminal organization that, through clothing manufacturing companies, committed forgery, fraud against EFKA, and tax evasion was dismantled by the Sub-Directorate for the Suppression of Financial Crimes of the Directorate for the Fight against Organized Crime.

In the framework of a police operation conducted on October 14, 2025, six members of the organization – five foreigners and one national, aged 36 to 55 years old – were arrested, including the leaders. A case file was formed against them for – in some cases – criminal organization, fraud, plastography, false affidavit, tax evasion, violations of insurance legislation, and money laundering from criminal activities.

The investigation revealed that since at least 2014, the arrested individuals had formed a network of nine clothing manufacturing companies, which operated in succession and for short periods of time, taking advantage of the insurance of 108 employees to conceal their true activity and avoid paying taxes and contributions.

Lead members allegedly used non-existent persons with false documents through which they submitted false employee insurance returns without paying contributions. At the same time, they avoided filing and paying taxes, transferring the debts to the fictitious persons who appeared to be responsible.

A 55-year-old accountant played a special role, providing technical support and guidance in the operation of the scheme. In addition, the organization had also been involved in the illegal trafficking of migrants, using a car of company car set up in the name of a non-existent person.

Their illegal profits were “laundered” through the purchase of real estate, luxury vehicles and the transfer of money abroad.

The damage to the state is estimated at at least 2,190,491 euros, of which 1,634,976 euros are related to insurance contributions and 555,514 euros in taxes.

During the investigations, among other things:

>Related articles

Profile of the “businessman” arrested with weapons in Paleo Faliro: A criminal past of extortion, tax evasion, and robbery

Candidate VP with Kamala Harris Tim Walz withdraws over mismanagement in Minnesota

The farmer unionist, the rice fields, and the illegal subsidies of €122,000 – Anestidis in the prosecutor’s crosshairs

  • several documents and company stamps,
  • €15,655 in cash,
  • bank cheques for 19,800 euros,
  • 37 gold pounds,
  • false passport,
  • 12 mobile phones,
  • 5 cars.

In addition, it was found that 29 workers were employed undeclared, with the corresponding administrative penalties imposed.

By order of the Prosecutor of Appeals, four properties of the leading members and their bank accounts were frozen. Those arrested were taken to the competent prosecution authorities.

 

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#fraud#tax evasion
> More Greece

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Study in Greece: International students apply for a place in Greek universities through a single platform

January 16, 2026

Users on X respond to Rama’s comments on whether modern Greeks are descendants of the ancient Greeks

January 16, 2026

Cycladic Identity Initiative launches fourth funding phase to preserve the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Cyclades

January 16, 2026

Cold wave from Ukraine to hit Greece: Temperatures drop to 10°C, Gale-Force winds in the Aegean and Ionian Seas

January 16, 2026

The billionaire behind Trump’s Greenland decisions convinced him that the U.S. should acquire it

January 16, 2026

A treat for readers: Dior, bags, and literature

January 16, 2026

Greek firms secure key roles in Libya’s reconstruction

January 16, 2026

Why Trump hasn’t “pressed the button” to attack Iran: White House and allies doubt it will weaken the Iranian regime

January 16, 2026
All News

> Culture

Cycladic Identity Initiative launches fourth funding phase to preserve the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Cyclades

Supporting the preservation of Cycladic culture and biodiversity — The Museum of Cycladic Art invites nonprofit organizations to apply for the fourth phase of its Cycladic Identity funding program through February 20, 2026

January 16, 2026

Grief in Crete for the loss of Yannis Xylouris

January 15, 2026

“A Picasso for 100 euros” — Christie’s for a million-euro painting

January 15, 2026

New cultural route at the Acropolis highlights the historic Koili Odos

January 15, 2026

“All cash”: Netflix is preparing a strategic move to accelerate its $83 billion deal with Warner Bros.

January 14, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα