Greek authority identifies suspected €40 million tax-refund fraud network involving 152 companies
Gamed · Friday, 11 September 2026
Why it matters
The case shows how a large network allegedly exploited the tax-refund process through fabricated transactions and companies without genuine business activity. It also documents a partial institutional response: intervention stopped the remaining payments, but €16 million had already been disbursed before the freeze.
What happened
Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority identified serious indications that 46 people and 152 companies coordinated fictitious transactions, shell companies, and nominal managers to obtain about €40 million in income-tax, VAT, and withheld-tax refunds during 2023–2024. About €16 million had already been paid, while a freezing order stopped further disbursements and prevented additional losses, according to the authority. The findings were sent to a prosecutor, who will decide whether to pursue criminal proceedings; the allegations are not yet proof of guilt.
Players & places
- Greece
- Greek Anti-Money Laundering Authority