New details are emerging about the alleged corruption ring operating within the Urban Planning Office of Katerini, revealing the full scope of the operation and the sums of money that were reportedly changing hands. Internal Affairs officers have identified more than 150 cases, while the total amount allegedly pocketed by the accused is estimated to exceed €130,000. The investigation has been underway since last December, triggered by a complaint filed against a private engineer. During the preliminary inquiry, officers discovered that the engineer in question had extensive communications with the Katerini Urban Planning Office and its staff. These findings prompted the case to be referred to the Greek Police Internal Affairs Division, which took over the investigation.
Read also: Municipality of Katerini: “Transparency in urban planning procedures is non-negotiable — the Building Services Department continues to serve citizens without interruption”
How the corruption ring operated inside the Katerini Urban Planning Office
According to evidence gathered so far, the alleged ring had developed a systematic illegal payment mechanism, with so-called “speed money” — bribes paid to expedite services — ranging from €150 to €400, depending on the case and the type of service requested.
The amounts reportedly climbed significantly higher when it came to legalizing unauthorized constructions, with demands reportedly reaching as much as €7,000. Authorities are examining all identified cases in order to establish how the scheme functioned and determine the role played by each individual involved.
The investigation has so far led to eleven arrests. Among those detained are four employees of the Urban Planning Office and seven private civil engineers. The arrested staff members reportedly include the director of the department and the head of the Building and Inspection Division.
What is under the authorities’ microscope
The Internal Affairs operation was carried out on the premises of the Urban Planning Office, located within the Katerini City Hall building. Officers conducted searches and examined files and documents related to the cases under investigation.
At the center of the probe are procedures related to the issuance of building permits and the legalization of unauthorized structures, as authorities search for evidence that will clarify whether — and how — illegal payments were made.
The investigation covers both the contacts between private engineers and Urban Planning Office employees and the actions allegedly carried out in connection with specific urban planning cases. The 150-plus identified cases remain the subject of ongoing investigation.
The Municipality of Katerini’s response
The Municipality of Katerini announced that it was informed of the investigation being conducted by the competent authorities into matters handled by the Building Services Department, and that instructions have been issued to provide all requested documentation in order to facilitate the process.
In its official statement, the Municipality stressed that “transparency in urban planning procedures is, for us, non-negotiable,” adding that the Building Services Department continues to operate normally and serve citizens without disruption.
