Tax officials caught red-handed with bribe
Two tax officials were arrested in Patras yesterday after allegedly asking for a 30,000-euro bribe from a businessman in order for him to avoid having to pay a fine, authorities said. The businessman, who also heads a local business group, told authorities a clerk and a manager at the tax office had accused him of failing to keep his books in order. The two officials then asked for a 50,000-euro bribe so he could avoid a heavy penalty. A few weeks later, the businessman contacted the tax office again, where he was told the bribe would be lowered to 30,000 euros. The man handed over the cash in marked bills and the police moved in and arrested the two suspects. Authorities said they are searching for a third tax office official in connection to the incident.
