Police on the island of Rhodes has dismantled a big urban planning corruption ring, arrested dozens of people involved including high-ranking employees of the local Urban Planning Department.
Investigation started in June 2024 following complaints by victims of the corruption ring.
According to media information, those involved are accused of demanding bribes for the issue of urban planning permits, for bypassing regulations, approving expansions, facilitating illegal construction, forging documents and even engaging in extortion.
According to complaints, the group is accused of demanding bribes for issuing urban planning permits, bypassing regulations, approving expansions, facilitating illegal construction, forging documents and even engaging in extortion.
The ring is believed to have been operating on the island for several years, reportedly charging bribes-fees starting at €1,000 and reaching up to several thousands euros, depending on the type of “service” they were asked to offer.
A characteristic case is that of a businessman in the tourism sector, who, although he had his permit file ready, was faced with a demand for a sum of money of 50,000 euros to sign the document. When the victim reacted to the initial demand, he got a discount” and the €50,000 was reduced to 40,000 euros.
During the big-scale operation on Wednesday, authorities raided offices of the Urban Planning Dept as well as private homes, found over 600,000 euros in cash, gold coins and expensive watches.
According to media information, one of the arrestees, an official of the Town Planning Department of Rhodes, was allegedly preparing to open restaurants in Dubai and Lindos.
This revelation raises questions about the origin of the funds and their connection to the corruption charges against those involved.
The illegal activity of those involved seems to have been accompanied by a provocative show-off of luxury life and possessions such as luxury cars and expensive watches posted on social media.
So far, seven people, including 5 high-ranking officials of the Urban Planning Department of Rhodes and 2 private civil engineers, have been arrested. Next to the items that have been confiscated, police has also frozen their bank accounts.
They face charges that include bribery, extortion, abuse of power and participation in a criminal organization.
The suspected leader who would connect customers with the urban planning officers is believed to be a private civil engineer.
Authorities continue investigation to determine the full scope of the case, as well as possible connections to other areas or individuals.
PS Why we, Greeks, are not surprised? Because once again the deep-rooted problems of corruption in public administration has been highlighted.
