In a statement, Giannis Panagopoulos, president of GSEE, referred to today’s search, by order of the competent prosecutor, by the Economic Police, at his home and office.

As stated: “Today, as you know, the scandal of the OPEKEPE is in the spotlight.

But today, two (2) months after the leaks and non papers without yet having received the conclusion of the Independent Authority, I received a visit to my house and office by the financial police organs.

In full respect of the order given to them, I provided every piece of evidence requested. However, I must note that evidence is being sought in vain and in every way possible to keep a non-existent case “alive”.

The prosecution is doing its job and I, as President of the GSEE, continue to do my job in view of the GSEE congress in a few days’.

Greek FBI investigation into Panagopoulos’ home and office for embezzling funds from GSEE programs

The searches reportedly took place at the home of GSEE president Yiannis Panagopoulos, his office at the confederation and at the homes and companies of other individuals involved with whom contracts and partnerships had been made. During the searches at Panagopoulos’s home a sim card, the hard drive from his computer and some jewelry of small value kept in the safe of his wife, who is now deceased, were seized.

According to the same reports, officers from the German FBI have seized digital evidence and documents.

The investigations are being conducted at the behest of the financial prosecutor.

The investigation by the Money Laundering Authority has identified six individuals, along with Yannis Panagopoulos, who are allegedly involved in a case of embezzlement of funds – funding from the Greek State and the European Union, exceeding a total of 73 million euros and intended for seven educational and training programs.

These are the owners – representatives of the companies named in the Authority’s finding that received money from European funds for the GSE training programmes. In the Authority’s conclusion, these persons were identified as the companies that are now accused of misappropriating Community funds.

The Anti-Laundering Authority in its investigation, listed the legal entities and companies to which it attributed the charge of embezzlement, with the benefit estimated to be €2,096,344.19.