Tax officials face bribery charges

A high-ranking tax official and four employees at the Chalkida tax office on Evia island have been on charges of bribery. Authorities bill the case as part of a bigger “scheme of systematic extortion.”

The group,

which includes the office director, is accused of soliciting bribes from citizens in exchange for expediting tax-related procedures.

They are also charged with coercing payments from businesses and individuals under duress. Over the past three months, the officials are believed to have amassed approximately 95,600 euros in illicit gains.

The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed in November 2023, when an individual reported being forced to pay a 5,000-euro bribe to the group.

A raid conducted by the police resulted in the discovery of an employee in possession of an envelope filled with 10,000 euros. Further searches led to the seizure of 78,795 euros in cash and an unlicensed hunting rifle. In addition to the tax office staff, two others were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the bribery network.

The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlights the ongoing battle against corruption within public services.

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