Greek Basketball Federation President Vangelis Liolios was arrested Wednesday as part of a criminal investigation into alleged match-fixing and bribery involving referees and basketball officials, according to Greek media reports. Liolios was taken into police custody following an arrest warrant issued after an investigation led by Athens prosecutor Apostolos Grammenos. Several other people have also reportedly been arrested in connection with the case.
Greek Basketball Federation President Vangelis Liolios during a media day for the Greek men’s national basketball team ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. (Klodian Lato/Eurokinissi)
According to media reports, those arrested include referees Petros Papapetrou, Tasos Piloidis and Panagiotis Anastopoulos, as well as Ilias Koromilas, a senior refereeing official and special adviser on officiating. Authorities are also reportedly seeking referee Vasiliki Tsaroucha and Giorgos Mavraganis, a businessman and former athlete.
Investigation Into Alleged Match-Fixing
The investigation, conducted confidentially by Grammenos, reportedly began after complaints were filed by individuals rather than basketball clubs. Many of the initial complaints were anonymous. Investigators subsequently collected witness statements, documents and text messages involving basketball officials and referees. According to the reports, the material submitted to prosecutors provided grounds for criminal charges related to alleged match-fixing.
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The investigation covers games played in Greece’s top basketball league and lower divisions over at least the past five years. Investigators also found large sums of money during searches that those involved could not account for.
The defendants are expected to appear before an investigating judge Thursday to respond to the charges, according to the reports.
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos Not Implicated
Neither Olympiacos nor Panathinaikos is implicated in the investigation, either as a complainant or as the subject of allegations, according to the reports.
The investigation remains ongoing.