Greek Woman Accused of Travel Scam Released on Bail

12:10 4/6/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A 37-year-old Greek woman, accused of swindling clients with fraudulent luxury travel packages, including a purported trip to Abu Dhabi for the EuroLeague Final Four, has been released on 10,000 euro ($10,850) bail.

The woman claims she is a legitimate travel organizer and not a fraudster.

Greek authorities are investigating multiple complaints against the woman, who allegedly collected thousands of euros from customers for travel arrangements that never materialized.

According to court documents, she presented herself with a wide range of professional titles, including public relations expert, journalist, engineer, elevator safety specialist, and tour organizer, offering trips to destinations such as the U.S., Dubai, Iceland, and Istanbul.

The woman denied any intent to deceive. Her bail conditions include appearing three times a month at her local police station and a ban on leaving the country.

In her written defense, submitted by her lawyer Ioannis Glykas, she dismissed the charges as baseless. She stated that her company, officially registered for travel services in 2024, had provided actual services in the past, such as flight bookings and lodging rentals.

She also denied ever promoting or organizing a trip to Abu Dhabi for the EuroLeague Final Four, despite media reports.

One of the most serious allegations involves a 62,000 euro ($67,200) payment reportedly collected for 58 airline tickets for Greece’s national cheerleading team to compete in Orlando, Florida. Prosecutors contend she never made any travel arrangements.

However, the woman disputes the amount, claiming she only received 55,467 euros ($60,190) and that 23,000 euros ($24,950) was spent with a travel agency before tickets were canceled due to scheduling changes.

She claims she was personally charged 17,106 euros ($18,570) in cancellation fees.

She also presented evidence, including an email she claims proves the delivery of an electric wheelchair worth 1,455 euros ($1,580) to a disabled customer who initially accused her of non-delivery.

Prosecutors allege she took over 156,000 euros ($169,300) from multiple clients in total. She claims that after subtracting verified expenses and previously delivered services, her outstanding debt amounts to about 109,000 euros ($118,300).

Her father, who owns an elevator installation business, has pledged to repay the amount, submitting a formal declaration and tax documents to that effect.

The case has drawn significant public attention in Greece due to the woman’s extensive and contradictory resume, which includes experience in journalism, engineering, charity work, and even amateur women’s soccer.

Despite her release, legal proceedings are ongoing, and more complaints may be filed, particularly related to the alleged EuroLeague Abu Dhabi trip.

Judicial authorities are expected to determine whether the charges will be elevated to felonies or remain misdemeanors, based on the final financial impact and number of victims.

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