A third defendant has been remanded in custody after appearing before Thessaloniki’s third special investigating magistrate in a case involving alleged large-scale tax and social security contribution evasion uncovered by an investigation by the AADE. The case centres on the nightlife and hospitality sectors, with alleged losses to the state and social security funds totalling more than €206 million.
The 56-year-old is accused in the case file of acting as a “recruiter”, allegedly finding and putting forward people as “front men” to appear as the owners or managers of businesses. According to the investigation, the debts linked to these businesses amount to about €19 million.
During questioning, the 56-year-old reportedly said he began helping businesses obtain licences while working as a waiter. According to reports, he said he had dealt with at least 145 businesses because he was good at his job, and pointed out that a tax and social security clearance certificate was not required to obtain an operating licence. He also denied having access to the businesses’ financial information.
Besides the alleged “recruiter”, a 27-year-old woman alleged to have acted as a “front woman” has also been questioned so far. She was released subject to restrictive conditions. She reportedly said she had been told she could join a subsidy programme run by the OAED and work as a cleaner or waitress, and that she received money for a time.
She said during questioning that when she began receiving court documents relating to debts, she voiced her concern but was reassured with the words “sign an authorisation and we’ll sort it out for you”.
Four more of those arrested are expected to appear before the investigating magistrate today. They are among 16 in total, while the case file includes more than 1,200 names. They include a lawyer and two accountants.
SOURCE: APE