Nineteen people were arrested for providing protection to brothels and casinos and were brought before the prosecutor. Among those arrested is a 37-year-old female police officer with a rich resume, with two degrees, who was named "Police Officer of the Year" in 2019.
HDN Newsroom
It is essentially a criminal organization with two branches. Members of one criminal group ensured that there would be no checks or gave timely notice of impending checks and raids. The amounts demanded from brothels and casinos ranged from 500-2,500 euros.
Members of the other criminal group were committing fraud against the state through the creation of shell companies and non-payment of VAT.
At the top of the gang are three people, as reported by the Mega TV station. They are a 58-year-old with the pseudonym Kritikos or Lefteris, a 55-year-old with the pseudonym Nontas or friend or uncle and a 37-year-old.
"We have two rings that dealt with illegalities. The first with brothels and clubs. They received between 800 and 2,500 euros for brothels and 1,000 to 3,000 euros for clubs. It is alleged that the role of the girl police officer was to inform," Giorgos Kalliakmanis, honorary president of police officers of Attica Prefecture, told MEGA.
"I think there were no talks, but there was a physical presence. There were also some special guards, their role was to guard the facilities there. They were all arrested."
As Mr. Kalliakmanis said, "the second dealt with ghost companies with front users and people on the sidewalk who had no fate in the sun. They put them in front to reap the VAT."
The charges include forming and running a criminal gang, aggravated fraud against the state, money laundering, bribery, illegal possession of weapons.
Among the suspects are four police officers accused of violating official secrecy, breach of duty, provision of services contrary to the position and duties of the police officer.
In addition to the 19 arrested, the investigation has revealed that at least 70 additional individuals had a role, smaller or larger, in the operation of the two gangs. One of those involved is already being sought for arrest.
Authorities say the groups created fake companies to defraud the government and evade VAT payments. The arrested officers include a senior official and three special guards.
According to police sources, the officers allegedly accepted bribes to warn associates of upcoming inspections. The reported bribe amounts ranged from 800 euros to €2,000 for brothels and €1,000 to €3,000 for gambling clubs. Investigators believe approximately 25 establishments operated under their protection.
