Authorities dismantle medical fraud ring that defrauded state health insurer EOPYY
Authorities have broken up an organized medical fraud ring involving a pharmacist and seven doctors — including three medical residents — accused of issuing fictitious prescriptions to defraud the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY).
According to the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, the network used a coordinated scheme, exploiting their professional positions and facilities to unlawfully access citizens’ social security numbers (AMKA), issue fake prescriptions, and sell the resulting pharmaceutical products. The operation generated illicit profits at the expense of the state health insurer.
A 34-year-old pharmacy owner, a 29-year-old resident doctor, and a 58-year-old doctor have been arrested. Five additional doctors are implicated, with case files outlining each individual’s role. Police estimate that the ring has been active since 2021, causing more than €435,000 in financial damage to EOPYY.
The arrests followed a large-scale operation on Thursday conducted by the Financial Crime Division across the wider Athens area, as well as in Fthiotida and Pieria. The operation was supported by emergency police units and the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). Searches were carried out in homes, clinics, healthcare facilities, storage areas, and pharmacies.
According to the case file, the suspects face multiple felony charges, including forming a criminal organization, repeated and professional fraud against the state, issuing false medical certificates, illegal prescription of narcotics, forgery, and unlawful access to personal data. Investigators say the proven illegal financial benefit linked to documented acts in the case exceeds €120,000.
The arrested individuals have been brought before the competent prosecutorial authorities as the investigation continues.
