A case of widespread corruption in Attica’s urban planning departments is in the hands of the authorities, following a major investigation by the Internal Affairs Service of the Security Corps. Six people have been arrested so far, while the case file includes 30 more people, including civil servants and private individuals.
According to the investigation, the members of the organisation allegedly took advantage of their positions and connections in urban planning departments to handle cases in exchange for money. Their activities involved, among other things, the issuing of building permits on a priority basis or through irregular procedures, the legalisation of unauthorised constructions, the reduction of fines and the settlement of pending urban planning files.
As part of the operation, searches were carried out at planning offices, residences and business premises. During the searches, a total of 334,895 euros, computers, mobile phones, an external hard drive, diaries, handwritten notes and a treasury safe deposit box rental contract were seized.
The investigation was launched following complaints of illegal practices by officials at planning departments in Attica. Through telephone intercepts, physical surveillance, digital data analysis and depositions, authorities concluded that an organised network with a clear hierarchy and division of roles had been operating since October 2025.
Two individuals allegedly played a decisive role in coordinating the group’s activities, determining monetary demands and exploiting their network of contacts. The other members took on specialised responsibilities, such as managing building permit cases, intervening in arbitrary matters, providing technical guidance and facilitating administrative procedures.
According to the EL.AS., special care was taken to conceal illegal activity. Members avoided directly referring to amounts of money and used code words such as “coffee”, “tools”, “plans” and “papers”. At the same time, they preferred to meet in places they considered safe, such as shops, parking lots and vehicles.
So far at least 29 cases of bribery and misconduct have been identified, with the amounts allegedly sought ranging from €1,000 to €30,000 per case.
The police operation culminated on June 5, 2026, when authorities intervened during an unsolicited bribery case. According to the investigation, a member of the organisation handed an envelope with 3,000 euros to one of the alleged leaders, which led to the immediate arrests and subsequent investigations.
A criminal case was filed against those involved for criminal organisation, bribery and corruption of an official, influence peddling and breach of duty. The six arrested persons were taken to the competent prosecuting authority, which brought criminal charges and referred them to the investigating magistrate, while investigations are continuing to identify any additional persons involved and determine the total illegal financial benefit.
