NGO donations: Greek police announce six arrests
The operation took place on 30 October. Police are investigating alleged fraud and embezzlement; the estimated €2.83 million benefit is not a court finding.
On 31 October, Greek police announced six arrests in a case involving fundraising through an association–NGO for children with serious illnesses or disabilities. The police operation took place on the morning of 30 October in several parts of Greece.
According to police, a case file concerns, as applicable, criminal organisation, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and sports legislation offences. These are allegations under investigation, not established guilt.
What the financial investigation estimates
The release describes checks on 29 accounts and more than 246,000 transactions. It records over €5.8 million credited during 2018–2026 to accounts belonging to the association and a 37-year-old person involved; this is distinct from the estimated unlawful benefit.
Using interviews with parents of 34 beneficiary children and the corresponding financial records, police estimate that approximately €2,829,516 was not passed on to families. This concerns that part of the investigation and is not reported as a final compensation award or the total value of all donations.
The agency is also investigating alleged use of part of the proceeds to manipulate football matches. The investigation continues. The release confirms arrests and describes the authorities’ investigative position; it is not a court judgment.
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