Police arrested suspected businessman Angelos Giannakopoulos, known as “Mr. Choraitiko”, after an investigation into alleged tax fraud worth 100 million euros against the Greek state. Officers moved in as part of a wide probe by the “Greek FBI”, examining more than 520 companies and leading to around 60 arrests so far. The alleged scheme relied on setting up companies with real business activity, but which allegedly did not consistently pay VAT and social security contributions to the EFKA. Prosecutors say the model allowed prices to be pushed down, creating unfair competition, and that when debts piled up, companies were allegedly pushed into “closure”, leaving the liabilities to be absorbed by the “front” people listed as their representatives. Giannakopoulos was also suspected of trying to flee to Albania. Police arrested him in Ioannina after he had returned from a trip to Dubai, with officers believing he may have been warned about the operation. The wider inquiry includes checks into possible money laundering through dozens of shops and nightlife venues, and investigations into links with trafficking networks. Giannakopoulos had previously drawn police attention in 2008 over a trafficking case involving forced sexual exploitation. He was convicted at first instance in 2015 to 10 years and 6 months, later being acquitted unanimously in 2018 in a second, separate case. Authorities are continuing to map the network, including a senior accountant described as playing a key role in creating the alleged front corporate structures, and say additional charges could follow. Giannakopoulos remains under arrest as the investigation continues.