Owner of Greek bakery chain Choriatiko arrested in probe of alleged millions-of-euro fraud

The operation

Since the early hours of Sunday, 25 October, the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE) has been running a large operation against the Choriatiko bakery chain, which Skai and NEWS 24/7 both report. Several outlets describe the unit's work as the work of a 'Greek FBI', a label used in media coverage rather than an official name. The chain runs dozens of shops in Attica. Officers were still carrying out searches and reviewing evidence when the reports were published, and the operation was described as ongoing.

Arrests

Angelos Giannakopoulos, the owner of the chain, was arrested in the operation, according to Skai and NewsIT. NEWS 24/7 reports that the arrests also include the company's accountant, as well as employees and executives who reportedly have links to running the chain. iefimerida reports, citing first information, that the accountant is reportedly a very important figure in the structure of the organisation. The number of people arrested beyond these named roles has not been given in the reports.

The alleged fraud

Skai describes the case as tax fraud. To Vima refers to an alleged fraud running into millions of euros and links the case to the earlier exposure of a fraud at the Pizza Fan chain, which it says is now followed by Choriatiko. The sources do not state the exact amount, the specific offences under investigation or the total number of people involved. Reports say further details will emerge as the investigation continues.