The leader of the far-right LAOS party, F. Kampouris, and his wife were remanded in custody yesterday in connection with a fraud case involving e-EFKA, Greece’s social security agency. According to the indictment, both are alleged to have played leading roles in the scheme.
In total, five of the 11 defendants were remanded in custody. According to the case file, losses to e-EFKA are estimated at €1.5 million, while losses to the Greek state approach €5 million.
The other three defendants remanded in custody were “straw owners”, meaning businesses were registered in their names despite their not being the actual owners.
The fraud was uncovered when a former employee of F. Kampouris sent formal legal notices to his companies and discovered that none operated at their registered addresses.
Five defendants were released under restrictive conditions, which, depending on the individual case, included a ban on leaving the country, regular reporting to a police station, and bail ranging from €4,000 to €8,000.
Since 2021, the organization allegedly established businesses—including advertising agencies, restaurants, nightclubs and clothing stores—in the names of third parties. These businesses would either close down or leave debts unpaid.
The businesses appeared to operate normally until taxes or social security contributions became due, at which point they would close or fail to settle their debts. They are also alleged to have issued invoices to the party.
The fraud came to light when a former employee of F. Kampouris sent formal legal notices to his companies and discovered that none operated at their registered addresses.
Sources: Kathimerini [1], [2]
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