Two individuals posed as employees of DEDDIE (Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator), attempting to extort €18,000 from a Thessaloniki business owner to allegedly write off a €56,000 debt linked to electricity theft. Among the perpetrators was a 50-year-old former border guard of the Hellenic Police (ELAS).

The Internal Affairs Subdirectorate of Northern Greece Security Corps uncovered the scheme after the business owner reported the incident. The “incorruptible” ELAS officers arrested the 50-year-old suspect during a prearranged meeting where he accepted €1,800 in marked bills as a down payment. The second suspect escaped arrest, as the conditions for immediate apprehension were not met.

A case has been filed against the arrested man for bribery in the private sector and conspiracy to commit fraud, classified as a misdemeanor. Reports suggest he exploited his affiliation with private firms that occasionally contract with DEDDIE to bolster his fraudulent claims.

The case began to unfold shortly before Christmas when the 50-year-old visited a hairdressing business, posing under a false name as a DEDDIE employee. He informed a staff member that the electricity supply would be disconnected due to alleged theft, claiming an official decision supported this action.

The 48-year-old business owner, contacted by phone, argued that a court order temporarily prohibited the disconnection. The fraudsters returned two days later, presenting themselves as a DEDDIE employee and supervisor, and proposed canceling the debt for €18,000. Suspicious, the owner sought police assistance 10 days ago.

Further investigation revealed the 50-year-old had a history of fraud, previously impersonating a DEDDIE employee. He had also been dismissed from ELAS in 2010 following a disciplinary board decision.