Child sexual abuse represents one of the most serious social problems facing modern Greece. The disturbing data that comes to light daily causes shock and outrage among the public, revealing a dark reality that affects dozens of children across the country.
Alarming statistics from protection agencies
According to recent data from “The Smile of the Child” for the first half of 2025, the organization provided support to one victim of sexual abuse every two days. Meanwhile, the Center for Internet Safety recorded through Cybertipline Hellas reports of 13 children who fell victim to cyberbullying and electronic sexual extortion.
Particularly concerning is the fact that in 2024, reports of child sexual abuse material represented 77% of all reports received by the SafeLine.gr hotline.
The dark side of child pornography
Child pornography constitutes the other face of this tragic reality. Recent cases that shocked Greek society include:
- Seizure of 2.5 million files in Drama in 2022
- Arrest of Italian EKPA professor in January 2025
- Arrest of 26-year-old student in Patras as part of “Stream” operation
- Arrest of 21-year-old Greek-American in Thessaloniki as member of “764” network
Europol has noted that the increase in digital material generated by artificial intelligence significantly hampers authorities’ ability to identify perpetrators.
Cases that shocked public opinion
Two recent cases have caused particular upheaval, as they involve individuals considered above suspicion.
In Chania, 63-year-old gynecologist Giorgos Tsouvalakis faces charges of indecency against two children at a private camp. The charges were upgraded to felonies and include abuse of a 14-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy. The victim allegedly visited the camp’s medical office due to injury, where according to the complaint, abuse occurred.
In Samos, 47-year-old school principal Efthymios Evangelou is held in Grevena prison charged with rape and abuse of 20 underage boys aged 12 to 15 during 2018-2024. The financially well-off educator approached children from families with financial problems, gave them gifts and money before abusing them.
Police operations against child pornography
Greek police conducted the large-scale operation “Zeus” from late July to early August 2025 across the territory. The Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate, utilizing digital evidence from the US, made one arrest and identified seven additional suspects.
In Western Macedonia, two mobile phones and memory cards containing extensive pornographic material were seized. Meanwhile, in Attica, Central Greece, Crete and the Ionian islands, eight mobile phones and four hard drives were found, while six defendants’ involvement was identified.
Protecting children from sexual abuse requires coordinated efforts from all agencies and active community participation in recognizing and reporting such incidents.
