Greek authorities have arrested nine individuals in a major corruption investigation involving illegal fast-tracking of real estate documentation at land registry (cadastre) offices across the greater Athens area. The case, uncovered after simultaneous police raids, is centered on a bribery scheme that allegedly allowed private intermediaries to expedite official procedures in exchange for cash payments.

According to sources, six of the arrested are public sector employees, including a department head from the Halandri office, while the remaining three are private citizens, among them a notary, who acted as paid intermediaries. The investigation revealed that bribes ranged from €500 to €1,000 per case, with the “going rate” typically between €300 and €600, depending on the urgency and complexity of the request.

Authorities say the suspects are connected to at least 150 separate cases, with the estimated profit of the illegal operation nearing €100,000. Two women are believed to have held key roles in the ring, facilitating the early issuance of legal property documents in return for substantial fees.

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The criminal operation reportedly began in September at the Athens Land Registry Office following a citizen complaint. The whistleblower alleged that intermediaries were offering to reduce processing times from the usual six months to just two months — in exchange for a bribe. Surveillance and intelligence efforts soon revealed that the operation had spread to other land registry offices in areas such as Halandri, Piraeus, and Kallithea.

The case file includes a total of 65 individuals, of whom 40 have already been identified. All nine initial suspects have been granted a continuance and are scheduled to appear before an investigating magistrate on Thursday.

The arrests were carried out by the Greek Police’s Internal Affairs Division, and the case is part of a broader effort to root out entrenched corruption within public services dealing directly with citizens, particularly in sectors such as urban planning, land management, and taxation.