AADE launches internal probe into staff over possible links to Choriatiko case

Internal probe ordered

The internal affairs directorate of Greece's tax authority, AADE, has started an investigation into possible involvement of its own employees in the Choriatiko case. The inquiry was ordered by the authority's governor, Giorgos Pitsilis, and was reported by several Greek outlets on 31 October. The case concerns a retail food chain that is under investigation for tax evasion and money laundering. Naftemporiki reported that revelations about the case prompted the governor's intervention.

Requests to police and investigators

The directorate will send formal written requests to the relevant Hellenic Police directorates and to the investigating authorities. These requests ask whether the ongoing investigation, or any other material those bodies hold, points to possible involvement by specific AADE employees. A second request will ask in writing for all evidence linked to alleged staff involvement in a separate food-service chain case. Kathimerini ties that second request to the Pizza Fan case, while the other outlets refer only to a food-service chain. NewsIT reported that the directorate had already sent an official document to the Hellenic Police on 31 October, whereas other outlets described the requests as forthcoming.

Bribery claims from recordings

SKAI reported, citing conversations captured by a police bug, that people involved in the Choriatiko case allegedly bribed state officials to serve the needs of the criminal group. The report presents this as an allegation. The AADE requests are framed as checks on whether such links involve the authority's own staff, and no outlet reports that any AADE employee has been charged.

Scope of the inquiry

The announcements do not name any employee, and the directorate is at the stage of gathering and evaluating evidence. The authority says it wants to examine all available data and clarify whether there are signs that staff took part. Each request will be made in writing, so the replies will form a documented record for the internal review. The outcome of the requests and the findings of the inquiry are not yet known.