A 33-year-old man was arrested in Ilioupoli, eastern Athens, over the weekend by officers from a special taskforce set up for the protection of minors, following an investigation and the execution of an arrest warrant.
The man, who is known for his activity as a so-called “influencer” and appearances in productions featuring sexually explicit content, allegedly approached two 16-year-old teen girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation, according to the case file.
Online ads and contacts with prospective clients
According to police, the alleged activity had been underway since at least June. Investigators found that the 33-year-old used websites featuring sexual content to post advertisements and communicate with prospective clients.
The case comes as Greece’s rapidly expanding influencer economy faces increased scrutiny from authorities. Professional and successful influencers can earn from hundreds to more than 40,000 euros for individual sponsored posts, depending on their following and reach, while tax authorities are increasingly examining social media activity for undeclared advertising income and commercial arrangements.
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has created audit teams to scrutinize posts, sponsorships, product deals and other online activity, with authorities treating goods and services received in exchange for promotion as taxable income.
