The major operation launched by Greece’s Organized Crime Division on Sunday (25/10), targeting the “Horiatiko” bakery chain, is taking on a new dimension — with an alleged tax fraud scheme estimated to exceed €100 million and a parallel investigation into suspected procuring and human trafficking.
According to sources, the investigation conducted by Greece’s equivalent of the FBI — specifically the Organized Crime Suppression Sub-Directorate — extends well beyond the financial activities of the business network. Evidence has emerged leading authorities to also probe the chain’s owner for potential involvement in procuring and human trafficking.
At the center of the investigation is the business owner, who has already been arrested as part of the police operation. Among those detained is also an accountant, who is believed to have played a key role in the alleged criminal organization’s operations.
The network of 200 companies and the €100 million in damages
The police investigation began in early 2026 and focused on the activities of an extensive network of approximately 200 companies, through which fictitious transactions and systematic tax evasion are alleged to have taken place. The financial damage to the Greek state is estimated to exceed €100 million, as investigators continue to examine the operations and interconnections of the businesses involved.
The criminal case being formed relates, according to information available so far, to offenses including the formation of a criminal organization, fraud against the state, tax evasion, and failure to remit VAT and social security contributions.
The investigation into strip clubs and online escort ads
A particularly significant dimension of the investigation concerns alleged activities linked to nightlife venues and sexual exploitation.
Investigators are examining whether the businessman controlled a number of nightlife establishments and whether he had connections to the sexual exploitation of women. As part of this inquiry, authorities are looking into reports of women who were allegedly promoted through online advertisements offering escort services.
This aspect of the case remains under active investigation, with no specific findings or the precise extent of potential involvement of those under scrutiny publicly confirmed at this stage.
Operation ongoing — Further arrests expected
The Organized Crime Division’s operation continues, with investigators analyzing evidence gathered throughout the months-long inquiry. According to the same sources, additional arrests in the coming days cannot be ruled out, as the investigation into both the financial elements and the other alleged activities under scrutiny presses forward.
