Greek police have dismantled an alleged criminal organization linked to Pizza Fan, one of the country’s largest pizza delivery chains, in an investigation into suspected value-added tax (VAT) fraud involving at least €25 million in unpaid taxes.

According to preliminary information, the suspects allegedly manipulated sales receipts to conceal taxable revenue and avoid paying VAT to the Greek state.

The alleged scheme is believed to have been operating since 2022 and involved a company with a nationwide network of approximately 140 stores.

Company owner among nine arrested

Officers from Greece’s Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, widely known as the “Greek FBI,” launched a large-scale operation early Thursday, October 22, arresting nine individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.

Among those taken into custody were Pizza Fan owner Konstantinos Antaras, the company’s second-in-command, accountants, a computer programmer and several store managers.

Authorities are investigating the suspected roles of the individuals involved and the mechanisms allegedly used to manipulate transaction records and conceal VAT liabilities.

Cash, luxury vehicles and jewelry seized

During searches of business premises and private residences, investigators seized more than €500,000 in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry and a substantial amount of evidence believed to be relevant to the investigation.

The operation is being conducted by the Financial Crimes Investigation Subdirectorate in cooperation with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the full extent of the alleged tax evasion scheme and the involvement of individuals connected to the restaurant chain.