Greek Police’s (EL.AS) internal affair division and the independent money laundering authority on Friday announced a series of arrests, including four police officers, in two related cases estimated to have cost state coffers some 20 million euros.
The investigation revolves around financial fraud, especially through keeping VAT remittances, as well as a “protection” racket targeting clandestine brothels and gambling parlors in the greater Athens area.
The financial fraud emanated from “sham” companies created to syphon off VAT remittances.
Of the four law enforcement personnel, one is a higher-ranking female police officer, while the other three are police sentries. The former, in fact, was honored in 2019 as “Police Officer of the Year”.
Authorities allege that the ringleader behind the scam and protection racket is a 58-year-old with a criminal record.
In terms of the latter, alleged members of the gang ostensibly approached the operators of brothels and gambling parlors to prevent raids of the illegal establishments, taking 800 to 2,500 euros every 15 days.
According to the internal affairs department, video shows the suspects entering and exiting the establishments that “shook down”.
