Police have arrested six people in an alleged NGO charity fraud that raised millions for seriously ill children, while most of the money never reached their families.
The Northern Greece economic crime unit of the Hellenic Police carried out the operation on 30 October. Investigators allege that the people behind the NGO charity fraud also ran a second branch that fixed amateur football matches.
According to the investigation, parents of 34 children received about €1.11 million in total. However, donations credited for those children came to €3.94 million, a gap of about €2.83 million.
How the NGO charity fraud worked
The probe began in September 2025, after a named complaint about a well-known association and NGO based in Thessaloniki. Police believe the group had been active since at least 2018.
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Its members posted appeals on social media about children with serious illnesses, mainly cancer. Posts described the cost of hospital stays, medical procedures, travel and temporary housing.
Investigators linked 92 fundraising campaigns for 74 beneficiaries to the NGO charity fraud, 55 of whom they have identified. In some cases, the group allegedly used different photos of the same child to hide earlier campaigns.
Well-known artists, athletes and business figures were among the donors, Kathimerini reported. A shipowner gave $30,000, a singer at least €13,000 and a footballer €12,450.
Police examined 29 bank and payment accounts and more than 246,000 transactions. Between 2018 and 2026, over €5.8 million reached the association’s accounts and the personal accounts of a 37-year-old man.
Betting and match-fixing claims
Police allege the 37-year-old moved more than €2.6 million into betting accounts and withdrew over €2 million. Investigators also traced spending on designer goods, luxury hotels and a café in Thessaloniki.
A second subgroup allegedly formed in September 2026 to fix matches. It aimed to help an amateur team win promotion to the Gamma Ethniki, while profiting from bets.
In addition, the 37-year-old allegedly put more than €250,000 into two football clubs in cash. Members allegedly agreed to pay €300 to €500 per match for favourable refereeing.
The six suspects in the NGO charity fraud face charges including membership of a criminal organisation, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and match-fixing offences. The case follows other criminal organisation charges in a major fraud probe in Greece.
They appeared before a Thessaloniki prosecutor and remain in custody until they testify before an investigating judge.
Source: KATHIMERINI
