The six people accused in a Greek investigation into alleged basketball match manipulation will begin giving their statements to an investigating magistrate on Friday, as the case moves into a key stage of the judicial process.
The six were given deadlines on Thursday by the ninth regular investigating magistrate handling the case. The first to appear will be referee Petros Papapetrou, who is scheduled to testify Friday morning.
The proceedings will continue Sunday, October 25, when Vangelis Liolios, president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), and an alleged associate of his, a former athlete, are due to appear before the magistrate.
The remaining three defendants, all involved in basketball officiating, are scheduled to testify Monday morning, October 26.
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Defendants face bribery allegations
The six basketball figures face charges that vary by case but include felony-level bribery and receiving bribes, with the alleged offenses carrying an aggravating circumstance because they are alleged to have been committed under Greece’s sports legislation.
Liolios is reportedly rejecting the allegations. The president of EOK is awaiting a complete picture of the charges against him, which appear to detail specific incidents.
The defense of the person considered the main defendant in the case is also preparing to challenge two statements regarded as particularly significant by the sports prosecutor.
The two witnesses are a serving referee and a businessman.
According to information from the EOK president’s circle, both current witnesses were named in a complaint Liolios filed in 2022 against four people connected to basketball, alleging felony-level offenses.
Referee denies allegations over €820,000
The referee scheduled to testify Friday is also categorically denying the allegations.
Authorities reportedly found €820,000 at his home, an amount that has become part of the case against him.
According to his defense, he intends to submit documentation relating to his professional activities that he says accounts for the money.
The upcoming testimonies will give the six defendants an opportunity to respond formally to the allegations before the investigating magistrate as the investigation into suspected manipulation of basketball games continues.