Authorities are investigating a large number of straw men linked to approximately 500 companies allegedly involved in the “Choriatiko” case. Among those implicated are individuals facing serious financial difficulties, who reportedly handed over their personal details and tax identification numbers in exchange for a monthly payment.
One particularly striking case involves a 69-year-old woman from Zakynthos, who is dealing with both severe financial hardship and serious health problems.
The “Choriatiko” case: the 69-year-old from Zakynthos used as a front person
According to her lawyer, Stathis Mitsokalos, who spoke to ERTnews, the woman allegedly provided her personal details so that businesses could be registered in her name, receiving a monthly sum of money in return.
As the lawyer explained, this follows a recurring pattern in which people in financial need are listed as company owners without having any real involvement in the businesses’ operations.
The woman reportedly receives a disability benefit, as she suffers from serious health conditions, with her disability rating reportedly standing at approximately 85–86%.
However, following her involvement in the case, she allegedly lost the disability benefit that served as her primary source of income, as the business activity registered under her name affected her financial status.
The €800 monthly payment
According to her lawyer, the woman reportedly agreed to provide her details after a relative informed her that she could receive financial compensation in return.
She was allegedly promised a monthly payment of €800 and was assured that she would face no risk whatsoever.
She reportedly received the payments for several months, after which they stopped entirely.
The lawyer clarified that the circumstances of those listed as straw men are not all the same, as some individuals reportedly had greater knowledge of and involvement in the companies’ activities.
