Prosecutors extend kickback probe to more ex-officials
Prosecutors and members of the Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE) are scouring procurement contracts signed by former ministers, Kathimerini understands, in a bid to sniff out kickbacks similar to those allegedly pocketed by ex-Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who is currently on trial for money laundering.
Investigations are reportedly focusing on the 2000-10 decade. Although offenses of breach of faith and violation of duty have expired under the statute of limitations, authorities are said to be seeking access to bank accounts in a bid to bring charges of money laundering against other former officials who may have pocketed under-the-table payments. The statute of limitations does not apply for money laundering.
Twelve procurement contracts are under scrutiny, according to sources who said prosecutors are also examining the declaration of wealth (“pothen esches”) forms submitted by politicians between 2000 and 2010.
