A serious case of financial fraud, with alleged damages reaching 5 million euros, is now under the microscope of authorities. According to information gathered so far from the police investigation, at the center of the case is the president of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party and journalist Filippos Kampouris, along with his wife. Authorities have reportedly made eight arrests so far, while the investigation is also examining the involvement of accountants, businesspeople, and dozens of individuals allegedly used as straw men.
The Kampouris case: The businesses under investigation for fraud against e-EFKA
The investigation centers on a business scheme that, according to information from Star channel, allegedly began operating as early as 2021. The alleged methodology involved the creation of successive companies, each managed on paper by different individuals. These businesses operated normally and reportedly carried out genuine economic activity — however, once significant social security debts to EFKA had accumulated, the companies were allegedly abandoned or shut down, leaving behind substantial liabilities.
According to the same sources, the network of companies reportedly operated across multiple sectors, ranging from advertising firms and food service establishments to nightclubs and clothing stores. Of particular interest to investigators is the case of a well-known fast food chain, where individuals were allegedly installed as nominal managers. A significant dimension of the case is also the alleged political connection. According to information being examined by the relevant authorities, among the businesses under investigation are companies that allegedly issued invoices to the LAOS party organization.
The fraud model and the LAOS connection
According to information that has come to light, the criminal group operated through a network of 10 real businesses, supported by 25 shell companies.
Their method of operation followed a consistent pattern:
- They established ghost companies in the names of straw men.
- They issued fictitious invoices — and notably, according to reports, fake invoices were even issued to the LAOS political party (whose finances will now be subjected to a thorough audit by the relevant authorities).
- They collected revenue without remitting the corresponding VAT or social security contributions to EFKA.
- When a given company accumulated debts, it was shut down and a new one was opened in its place, repeating the same pattern all over again.
The complaint that opened Pandora’s box
A former employee of one of Filippos Kampouris’s companies filed a complaint with authorities after discovering that, despite earning a monthly salary of just 600 euros, her 2023 tax return showed a declared annual income of nearly 20,000 euros — making her ineligible to receive social benefits. She then discovered that the money she had been receiving came from non-existent companies, and promptly filed a formal complaint.
