A former Greek basketball referee has been remanded in custody after denying aggravated bribery charges in an investigation into alleged match-fixing in basketball. Authorities found €820,000 in cash at his home.
The former referee appeared first among six defendants before the investigating magistrate handling the case. During his testimony, he submitted a lengthy written memorandum outlining his defence.
According to reports, the defendant presented evidence claiming that his total income between 2001 and 2026 reached €1.5 million. He attributed the money to his work as a referee, his employment as an official at a forestry service and family income.
He reportedly told the magistrate that he lives in his own home in Katerini and does not spend much money. He also allegedly explained that he preferred to keep cash at home and had gradually transferred part of his income there through withdrawals over the years. He claimed these accumulated savings accounted for the €820,000 seized by authorities.
The former referee denied allegations by a specific witness that he had accepted bribes on four separate occasions during four meetings. He reportedly described the witness as unreliable and claimed he was elsewhere during two of the alleged meetings. He also denied any wrongdoing during the other two encounters.
A former referee has reportedly accused the defendant of soliciting illegal payments from a team official. According to the witness, the defendant was known in refereeing circles by the nickname “Grammarios” and allegedly requested payments ranging from €500 to €1,500, saying: “Put me down for €500–€1,000, come on, €1,500.”
The investigating magistrate will hear testimony on Sunday from Evangelos Liolios, president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, whom authorities consider the case’s principal defendant, as well as from his business associate.
The remaining three defendants will appear before the courts on Monday to give their statements. They include two former referees and a serving international referee whom EuroLeague has suspended from her duties.
(Source: AMNA)
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