Six Jailed in Greece Over Urban Planning Corruption Ring

Six individuals are heading to prison in Greece following their apologies for allegedly operating a corruption ring within urban planning offices in Attica. The group stands accused of engaging in bribery, corruption, and money laundering. Some members are also charged with legitimizing illegal funds, reportedly through art purchases.

The charges against them include criminal organization, bribery, dereliction of duty, aggravated money laundering, and influence peddling. Despite the serious accusations, the defendants reportedly maintained their innocence during their apologies.

Information suggests the organization profited thousands of euros from its illegal activities. Authorities confiscated sums exceeding 330,000 euros. Notably, 188,000 euros were discovered in the office of a senior official at the Galatsi Municipality's Urban Planning Service. This official, along with their spouse who was dismissed from the Kifissia Urban Planning Service, are believed to be the masterminds behind the criminal group.

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I never asked for or received money for any administrative act. My sole purpose and guide was the correct and lawful issuance of permits. My conversations with the other accused were consultative due to his much greater experience in this position.

The case file includes recorded conversations between alleged members and details specific urban planning cases handled for payment. The accused appeared before the judicial official, denying all charges and asserting they never received illicit money for their duties. One 51-year-old employee from the Kifissia Urban Planning Service stated, "I never asked for or received money for any administrative act. My sole purpose and guide was the correct and lawful issuance of permits. My conversations with the other accused were consultative due to his much greater experience in this position."

The 57-year-old head of the Construction Control Department at the Kifissia Urban Planning Service reportedly told the investigating judge that he had often been called to explain himself due to his position being "frequently exposed to all kinds of complaints." He asserted he had been cleared in all previous instances. "I categorically deny all the charges against me. In my 32 years working for the Municipality of Kifissia, I have never, in any way, violated my duties, nor have I ever received money from anyone to perform my duties. I cannot help but express my surprise at facing such serious charges without an investigation into whether I have actually violated my duties. Also, without it even being established, even in one instance, that I have illegally received money from anyone. All the charges, at least as far as I am concerned, are based solely on my phone calls, mostly with friends and colleagues."

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I categorically deny all the charges against me. In my 32 years working for the Municipality of Kifissia, I have never, in any way, violated my duties, nor have I ever received money from anyone to perform my duties. I cannot help but express my surprise at facing such serious charges without an investigation into whether I have actually violated my duties. Also, without it even being established, even in one instance, that I have illegally received money from anyone. All the charges, at least as far as I am concerned, are based solely on my phone calls, mostly with friends and colleagues.