Revelations about the sprawling network surrounding the Choriatiko bakery chain are shocking.
As details emerge of extensive tax evasion and systematic fraud against the state, carried out through a finely tuned operation active in Attica, Rhodes and Mykonos, conversations in which members of the ring used code names point to possible links with public-sector employees. Authorities are also investigating possible bribes.
The case file — which runs to more than 850 pages — names 149 defendants. The offences they face, depending on the individual, include criminal organisation, tax evasion, and failure to pay debts and social security contributions. The defendants are scheduled to make statements in groups on Thursday and Friday.
433 companies under scrutiny
The countdown began in January. Police found themselves facing a vast scheme to defraud the state and EFKA.
The owner of the Choriatiko bakery chain is identified as a leading member of the group and is alleged to have made all the decisions. He and his associates are also alleged to have operated 433 businesses, mainly in Attica, Rhodes and Mykonos.
Legally authorised wiretaps include recordings of conversations in which one defendant is alleged to have acted as a liaison with seven people working for agencies such as EFKA, the tax office and the Labour Inspectorate.
Code words and gifts
Code words such as ‘our people’, ‘godchildren’, ‘aunt’ and ‘cousin’ were used.
Three days before a scheduled meeting with a particular agency, conversations were allegedly recorded in which the term ‘little lipsticks’ was used, possibly to refer to gifts. According to sources familiar with the matter, bribe-taking has not been confirmed so far.
In another conversation, police found that some of those involved referred to information from a police officer about upcoming inspections at a shop and said that another officer had been given €1,500, although no one was named.