A 350-page report from the anti-money laundering authority is now in the hands of the District Attorney in Thessaloniki. It concerns a “carousel” type fraud case involving a businessman from Northern Greece and a high-ranking bank executive with a background in politics.
According to sources, the investigation revealed that the parties involved managed to reimburse the Greek state €35 million through a complex system of virtual transactions.
The businessman, who has been linked to a high-profile criminal case that captured public attention for months, collaborated with a close relative to run a network of ghost companies in Greece, Bulgaria, and other countries. These companies facilitated virtual transactions that allowed him to improperly collect VAT or evade taxes altogether.
This fraud, known as “carousel” fraud, employs a “missing trader” method, resulting in significant financial losses for both the Greek economy and European finances. The estimated total damage is around €35 million. Relevant authorities in Greece and the Office of the European Public Prosecutor have already been notified about the case.
In addition to the businessman, the case involves a former bank executive who has also held positions in public service and central politics.
Despite the serious allegations, the Laundering Authority has not yet frozen the businessman’s assets, as there are other pending criminal cases against him. A final decision on further legal actions is expected from the prosecutor’s office in Thessaloniki.
Investigations found that the businessman had obtained loans from the bank managed by the executive without meeting requirements. In return, he allegedly helped the banker legalize €2 million in illegal funds that were never declared as part of his assets.
Adding to the scandal is the involvement of an ELA officer in northern Greece, who reportedly assisted the businessman by validating his signature in numerous transactions worth millions. This information has been forwarded to the Internal Affairs Service for further investigation into the officer’s role in the case.
