Big fraud with Community programs of 25 billion Euros
Fictitious companies presented forged cost documents - Officials of the European Commission, allegedly involved
The First Instance Court of Athens brought felony prosecutions for fraud of 25 billion Euros within the European Union, with Greek officials involved with the European Commission and "branches" throughout Europe, in which is conducted a parallel investigation.
The fraud involves the Community programs 'State' and 'Information Society' and concerns subsidies given to research and pilot programs. In our country allegedly involved representatives of four Greek companies, who are charged with three felonies.
The initial investigation was conducted by the Directorate General of "Information Society and Media" of the European Commission, which is responsible for promoting the development and use of Information and Communication Technologies through grants for selected research programs. The investigation found evidence of fraud that involves the development and activity of associated companies and systematically testify large number of research projects, which were approved and created remarkable illegal profits using fictitious companies which were presenting inflated or false cost documents.
The officials of the European Commission in order to reap some of the million that gave the EU, set up their programs in terms of photographic terms, conditions and scope. The investigation is targeting on more than 20,000 cases where the Community grants funds were converted into villas, luxury cars or deposits abroad. The Greek side submitted a request of rogatory, for those employees.
Felonies
The file reached the Prosecutor on 1 October and was given to the prosecutors Ch. Ntzouras and C. Kaloudes, who brought against four legal representatives and employees of companies involved in the case prosecution, the following:
1) Fraud affecting the financial interests of the European Communities, to the overall benefit of property damage and more than 150,000 Euros,
2) Forgery, by offenders who act professionally and by habit, the total asset intended to benefit more than 120,000 Euros,
3) Money laundering, from offenders who act professionally and by habit.
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