Match-fixing scandal in Greek basketball: Six arrests and €820,000 in cash found in the safe of one referee.
Implicated in the scandal that shakes the Greek Basketball is also the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), Vangelis Liolios, ANT1 TV who has been also arrested and other media reported on Tuesday afternoon.
Law enforcement authorities investigate the origin of large sums of money.
Investigation regards the alleged match-fixing scandal in Greek basketball, with investigations by the authorities revealing a very large sum of money at a referee’s residence.
According to reports, €820,000 in cash was discovered inside a safe at the home of a referee in the province. He could not justify the source of the money.
This discovery is part of a broader investigation, during which other large sums of money were reportedly found in the possession of individuals involved—funds for which, according to the same reports, no legitimate origin has been established.
Six arrest warrants have been issued in total in connection with the case, including one against the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK), Vangelis Liolios.
The remaining warrants concern three referees, among them one woman, a chief referee—who also serves as a special refereeing consultant—and a businessman who is a former athlete.
Under scrutiny are approximately 50 basketball games, one of them abroad.
The judicial investigation concerns allegations of match-fixing in both the top tier of Greek basketball – League games – and lower divisions including games between schools.
According to reports, the cases under examination span a period of at least five years.
Depending on the individual case, those involved reportedly face charges related to the offering and accepting of bribes, in accordance with sports legislation.
According to the same reports, the individuals had previously been summoned to provide explanations as part of the investigation, but failed to respond to these summonses.
However, two persons reportedly previous involved in the case, voluntarily sought authorities with the aim to testify, provided that they will not face charges.
The case file has been forwarded to an examining magistrate, and the accused are expected to be summoned to provide formal statements.