Six arrested in €2.8 million charity fraud scheme as investigations extend to Rhodope, Kavala and Drama
Greek police have arrested six people suspected of running a criminal organisation that allegedly defrauded donors through a non-governmental organisation (NGO) claiming to raise funds for children with serious illnesses and disabilities. Investigators estimate that the group obtained approximately €2.83 million in illicit proceeds, while part of the money was allegedly used to manipulate football matches and finance football clubs.
The arrests were made during a large-scale police operation on Friday, 30 October 2026, conducted across several regions of Greece. Investigations also extended to Rhodope, Kavala and Drama, among other areas.
According to the Hellenic Police, the organisation operated through two interconnected subgroups, with one member linking their activities. The six suspects face charges including participation in a criminal organisation, aggravated fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and offences related to sports corruption and match-fixing.
DONATIONS COLLECTED IN THE NAME OF SICK CHILDREN
The first subgroup allegedly operated since at least October 2018, using an NGO as a front to collect donations for children suffering from serious illnesses, particularly various forms of cancer, or disabilities.
Investigators found that fundraising campaigns were conducted without the legally required authorisation and that the organisation's actual activities differed from its publicly declared purpose. Only a small proportion of the donations reportedly reached the intended beneficiaries, while the majority was allegedly appropriated by two of the suspects.
The group reportedly used social media to publish photographs and information about sick children, appealing for financial assistance to cover medical treatment, hospitalisation, travel, accommodation and other family expenses.
Well-known artists, athletes and businesspeople were among the donors. Their contributions were allegedly publicised to enhance the NGO's credibility and attract further donations.
Police identified 92 fundraising campaigns involving 74 beneficiaries, 55 of whom have so far been identified.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly employed several methods to maximise donations, including presenting different photographs and information about the same children in repeated campaigns, exaggerating medical and hospitalisation costs, and requesting money for expenses already covered by insurance providers.
They also allegedly announced that part of the donations would be transferred to hospitals and healthcare institutions, without making the promised payments.
€2.83 MILLION IN ALLEGED ILLICIT PROCEEDS
An extensive financial investigation examined 29 bank and payment institution accounts in Greece and abroad, analysing more than 246,000 transactions.
Between 2018 and 2026, more than €5.8 million was deposited into accounts belonging to the NGO and one of the main suspects, a 37-year-old man.
Investigators also examined the financial circumstances of the parents of 34 beneficiary children. Although donations credited to the relevant accounts amounted to approximately €3.94 million, only around €1.11 million was reportedly transferred to the families.
The resulting estimated illicit financial gain stands at approximately €2,829,516.
The investigation further revealed an alleged money-laundering network involving personal and corporate bank accounts, fictitious companies, false invoices, cash withdrawals and redeposits, as well as gambling and online betting transactions.
The 37-year-old suspect reportedly deposited more than €2.6 million into betting accounts and withdrew over €2 million.
Police also identified two allegedly fictitious companies and a fictitious sole proprietorship, through which nine false tax invoices worth a total of €149,700 were reportedly issued.
Some of the proceeds were allegedly spent on luxury goods, accommodation, restaurant visits and other personal expenses.
FOOTBALL MATCH-FIXING AND ILLEGAL CLUB FINANCING
The investigation also uncovered alleged links between the organisation's financial activities and the manipulation of football matches.
A second subgroup, reportedly established in September 2026, consisted of four members, including the 37-year-old suspect involved in the first subgroup. Its alleged objective was to influence football results in favour of a particular amateur club seeking promotion to Greece's third-tier national division, while generating illegal profits through betting on manipulated matches.
According to police, the second subgroup was financed using proceeds from the alleged charity fraud.
The 37-year-old suspect is also alleged to have provided more than €250,000 to finance two football clubs, acting as an unofficial administrator and financial backer. Payments to players, coaching staff and suppliers were reportedly made through informal, off-the-books transactions.
Investigators further allege that members of the group sought favourable refereeing decisions for a particular club in exchange for money. One individual allegedly received between €300 and €500 per match to arrange favourable treatment, particularly in fixtures against direct promotion rivals.
Police also identified a separate case involving a €1,000 payment allegedly intended to influence a match.
In another investigation concerning an under-19 football league fixture, the 37-year-old reportedly placed live bets after receiving inside information from another member of the group and encouraged acquaintances to do the same.
Police stressed, however, that the two teams involved in that particular match are not currently believed to have participated in the alleged manipulation.
ASSETS SEIZED AND ACCOUNTS FROZEN
During searches of homes and vehicles, police seized eight mobile phones, two laptops, computer equipment, digital storage devices, two cars, luxury designer bags and wallets, three branded watches and €18,330 in cash.
Investigators also confiscated bills of exchange worth €169,395, a cheque worth €48,150 and a private agreement concerning an interest-free loan of €52,000.
Meanwhile, Greece's Financial Intelligence Unit ordered the freezing of certain bank and betting accounts belonging to the 37-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman and the NGO, both in Greece and abroad.
The six arrested individuals have been referred to the competent prosecutorial authorities. The investigation remains ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal activities.
Hellenic Police / Greek media reports
