New evidence is coming to light in the Pizza Fan case, as key members of the criminal network under investigation for large-scale tax fraud allegedly received advance warnings about upcoming financial audits from individuals working within central financial services. The revelation was made on MEGA by crime reporter Vasilis Lampropoulos of “Vima” and “Nea” newspapers, citing references contained in the case file. Meanwhile, the judicial investigation is pressing ahead, with 23 arrested individuals facing felony charges, while according to the latest figures from the Hellenic Police, the estimated loss to the Greek state exceeds €35 million, with concealed taxable income surpassing €150 million.
Read: Pizza Fan: Workers’ federation calls for contract suspension status for employees
Pizza Fan: MEGA’s explosive revelation about pre-audit tip-offs
According to the disclosures made by Vasilis Lampropoulos, the case file contains references indicating that individuals from central financial services allegedly informed key members of the network under investigation about upcoming audits, urging them to take precautionary measures. These tip-offs are said to have been passed on following complaints about the practices being carried out at the businesses. According to the same disclosure, there were warnings that store inspections would take place in September, after audits on island destinations had been completed during the summer season.
The same case file, according to the journalist’s information, also contains references to conversations among those involved about limiting the scale of the alleged fraud once complaints and protests began to emerge. This information raises new questions about the possible leaking of sensitive data from financial services to individuals at the center of the investigation. It should be noted, however, that these are references within the case file and do not constitute judicially proven involvement of any specific employees.
Felony charges brought against all 23 suspects
The 23 arrested individuals were brought before the Evelpidon courts on Friday, October 23, where criminal charges were filed against each of them for a range of felonies. The charges include forming, joining, and directing a criminal organization, tax evasion through non-payment of VAT and filing inaccurate income tax returns, direct complicity in those acts, and aggravated money laundering. All suspects were referred to an examining magistrate to enter their pleas, while the case file encompasses a total of 126 individuals. Among those arrested, according to relevant reports, are the founder of the chain, accountants, store managers, and an individual connected to the development of the software at the center of the case.
The €35 million loss and the “complimentary items” scheme
According to the official Hellenic Police announcement, the estimated financial loss to the Greek state from unpaid income taxes and VAT for the period 2016–2026 exceeds €35 million, while the concealed taxable income surpasses €150 million. At the heart of the investigation is a specific function within the order-management software, through which paid orders were allegedly recorded as complimentary items or “freebies,” with no corresponding fiscal receipts being issued.
Police authorities also released video footage showing how the system operated, while investigations are being extended to cover the digital data and financial records of those involved. According to additional information presented by MEGA, investigators are also examining cases of retroactively issued receipts and end-of-day tampering with point-of-sale system data.
Seized assets and the freezing of property
During searches carried out at offices, stores, and residences, authorities seized a total of €1,288,732.60 in cash, 52 computer units, fiscal mechanisms, six luxury vehicles, three motorcycles, and 92 luxury watches and pieces of jewelry. Mobile phones, laptops, storage devices, and numerous handwritten notes were also recovered. Particularly striking was the discovery of a hidden
