Three suspects remanded in custody in Greek Choriatiko bakery tax fraud case

Three remanded as testimony continues

On 29 October 2026, Greek investigators continued a marathon round of testimony in the case involving the Choriatiko bakery chain. Three defendants who had testified so far were ordered held in pretrial custody, and four others were released under restrictive conditions, with some also required to post a financial guarantee. Kathimerini reported that 59 people were arrested in the case and that the first 30 were scheduled to testify that day. To Vima put the day's number at 31 defendants, while NEWS 24/7 said 30, so the schedule is reported differently across outlets.

Remanded in custody3

Released with restrictive conditions4

Remanded in custody

3 people

Released with restrictive conditions

4 people

Data from the article text

The alleged ringleader

The 57-year-old businessman known as 'Mr Choriatiko' is described by several outlets as the alleged leader of the network. Kathimerini says he faces a heavy charge sheet that includes directing a criminal organisation. NewsIT identifies him as Angelos Giannakopoulos and reports that his hearing is set for 18:00 before the investigating magistrate. Reports say he is expected to argue that the case concerns only tax and social security contribution evasion, and that he is prepared to pay whatever sums are assessed against him. According to To Vima, he is also expected to deny charges of forming a criminal organisation, fraud and laundering criminal proceeds.

Financial damage and the police angle

Naftemporiki reports that the scheme cost the Greek state 120 million euros. Citing ANT1, it says he declared 998 euros in salaried income for 2020 and 8,500 euros for 2021, and that in 2022 he received unemployment benefit of 5,294 euros. The companies he controlled listed him in roles ranging from bakery worker and pastry chef to cook, office clerk, cashier and manager. NewsIT reports that an Internal Affairs probe is examining three police officers. One is said to have acted as an informant, warning group members about planned inspections, and a second allegedly received 1,500 euros from a defendant. Investigators are also looking into whether a third officer warned the 57-year-old owner before his arrest, and NewsIT says the group allegedly had contacts with officials at EFKA, AADE and the Labour Inspectorate to get ahead of checks.

What happens next

The remaining 29 people in the case are scheduled to testify on 30 October, according to Kathimerini, NEWS 24/7 and NewsIT. Because of the large number of defendants, two deputy investigators have been assigned alongside the lead investigator to speed up the process. Reports say the defendants must give their explanations within a short timeframe set for the proceedings. NewsIT reports that the Internal Affairs probe could produce further defendants, including the police officers under scrutiny.