The president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), Vangelis Liolios, and five other people were arrested on Wednesday as Greek police investigated alleged bribery, corruption and match-fixing in basketball.
The Organized Crime Directorate, commonly known as the “Greek FBI”, led a major police operation after authorities issued six arrest warrants around midday. The warrants targeted Liolios, two members of the federation’s board and three referees.
Depending on their alleged involvement, the six individuals face charges relating to bribery and corruption under sports legislation.
Investigators are examining approximately 50 matches played between 2016 and 2026 across all levels of the sport, from youth competitions and school championships to the top-tier Greek Basketball League. The matches under scrutiny reportedly include one game played abroad.
During the expanded investigation, authorities reportedly discovered €820,000 in cash at a referee’s home in a provincial area. Investigators also allegedly found substantial sums of money in the possession of other individuals involved in the case, raising questions about the funds’ origins.
According to reports, the case file contains complaints and statements from eight witnesses. Investigators consider two of them particularly significant because of their knowledge of alleged match-fixing activities.
Reports indicate that the two witnesses may have received bribes in the past. However, authorities do not expect to bring criminal charges against them because they voluntarily came forward to disclose information about alleged illegal activities in basketball.
Meanwhile, the EOK Board of Directors convened an emergency meeting following the issuance of the six arrest warrants. The meeting aimed to brief board members on the ongoing legal proceedings concerning alleged match-fixing in Greek basketball.
(Source: AMNA)
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