Judicial authorities have ordered the pre-trial detention of Angelos Giannakopoylos, known as “Mr Choriatiko.” So far, authorities have remanded six defendants in custody. The defense plea of former trade unionist Rizos Rizos is set to follow.
“To Choriatiko”: Defendant denies concealing taxable income
The 57-year-old businessman defendant allegedly claimed that this case involves tax violations rather than fraud. He denies concealing taxable income, arguing that the amounts attributed to him stem from previously submitted tax declarations. Regarding companies that carried outstanding debts and continued operating under different managers, the defendant reportedly maintained that the management changes were made to allow the businesses to keep running — not to evade obligations to the state. According to him, the goal was to bring the outstanding debts under a structured repayment arrangement.
He also allegedly denied that his companies were shell or opportunistic enterprises, citing his involvement in the sector since 1996 and arguing that these were businesses he genuinely intended to maintain and grow. Finally, he cited serious health issues and referred to his minor child, requesting that, should he not be released, he be placed under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
