The Financial and Economic Police Unit has began investigating suspected cases of gross tax evasion and money laundering, such as that of a 45-year-old orange producer based outside Sparta, who has about 12.5 million euros in his bank accounts, when a study by the Foundation for Industrial and Economic Research (IOVE) shows that 99% of farmers declare incomes less than 10,000 euros.
According to the SDOE investigation, the 45-year-old’s financial data shows a significant increase of his assets between 2006 and 2007, despite declaring an income between 15,000 and 25,000 euros. The 45-year-old orange producer owned a citrus fruit packing plant and cardboard box construction company in Laconia and Argolida, while in recent times he bought a fuel station and café-bar-restaurant.
Neighbors have questioned the drastic improvement of his finances, since it did not reflect his commercial activities, with some attributing it to an inheritance from a rich uncle in New York. Recently the 45-year-old attempted to rebrand himself as the owner of the local football club and had recently been in touch with the owner of a prominent basketball team in Athens to discuss cooperation. In line with his new profile, the 45-year-old arranged a number of concerts featuring well-known artists to support his football club, which he alleged were funded by local donations and his contribution.
The 45-year-old man spoke to To Vima and explained that everything is above board and that he has provided all the necessary documentation and proof regarding his income and assets when requested by the financial services. SDOE has recently launched a campaign to apprehend “invisible millionaires” who are involved in extortion, money laundering and other similar activities.
