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.
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.
