Μake us preferred on Google The first four suspects in a fraud case involving a Greek nonprofit organization are appearing before an investigating magistrate on Tuesday as the judicial process begins in a case involving donations collected for children with serious health problems.
The organization is accused of misappropriating contributions that donors believed would pay for medical treatment and critical surgeries. Those appearing on Tuesday include the organization’s president’s partner, her brother and two other people connected to its operations.
Questioning is scheduled to continue Thursday, when another member of the organization is expected to testify. The process will conclude with the questioning of the NGO’s president.
Defense lawyers have so far avoided making detailed statements, saying they are waiting to receive the complete case file before deciding how to proceed. However, one lawyer representing a person involved in the case has argued that his client knew nothing about the illegal activities and was himself a victim, claiming the scheme was set up without his knowledge.
Donations spent on luxury and entertainment
The investigation has raised questions about how the money collected from the public was used. According to the findings, members of the organization allegedly diverted a substantial portion of donations toward personal expenses.
Investigators have identified expensive purchases, stays in luxury hotels and suites, and significant spending on nightlife as part of the lifestyle funded by the donations.
The spending reportedly took place while members of the public were contributing money, often from limited personal resources, believing they were helping cover hospital bills and essential operations for sick children.
Father says family received none of the promised €50,000
One of the most troubling allegations comes from a father who says he was expecting €50,000 in financial assistance to pay for his child’s surgery.
According to his account, members of the public responded to the appeal and donated money. The organization later informed him that the required amount had not been raised and that his family would therefore receive no assistance.
The father says he did not receive a single euro, despite donations having been made. The organization refused to transfer even part of the money to help cover the medical costs, raising questions about what happened to the contributions collected in the child’s name.
Two complaints triggered the investigation
The case came to light after Greece’s Organized Crime Division received two emails containing specific allegations against the NGO.
Investigators subsequently found that the organization had been publishing appeals on social media since 2017–2018, asking the public to make donations to support children with serious medical conditions.
According to the investigation, contributors were directed to transfer money into personal bank accounts rather than accounts held in the organization’s name. Donations were also collected through platforms including Revolut and PayPal.
Authorities are additionally examining whether the NGO operated legally. Their investigation indicates that it did not hold the authorization required by law to conduct public fundraising campaigns.
