Authorities have uncovered a sophisticated criminal organization that defrauded the state through forged documents, tax evasion and social security fraud, operating via garment manufacturing companies, police said Wednesday.
Six members, including the ringleaders, were arrested during coordinated raids, which yielded cash, checks, gold coins, luxury cars, a fake passport and corporate documents.
Total losses to the Greek state are estimated at over 2.19 million euros, including unpaid social security contributions and taxes.
The network, active since at least 2014, ran a series of short-lived clothing companies and employed fictitious workers to hide income and avoid contributions. A 55-year-old accountant provided expertise to facilitate these operations, which extended to transporting migrants illegally using company vehicles. Authorities froze four properties and the bank accounts of the ringleaders.
The suspects, aged 36 to 55, now face charges including organized crime, fraud, forgery, money laundering, tax evasion, labor law violations and facilitating illegal migration. Investigations are ongoing.