Net widens in investigation into graft at zoning offices

Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority has launched a full-scale investigation into the country’s zoning offices, following recent revelations of corruption at several services responsible for urban planning and construction licensing in the greater Athens area.

The inquiry will examine employees and executives serving in key positions, with investigators reviewing tax returns, asset declarations, banking records and property holdings to identify possible discrepancies between officials’ declared income and their actual wealth.

The probe is also expected to examine relatives and third parties who may have been used to conceal or transfer illicit funds.

Authorities said the review will be extensive, covering hundreds of cases nationwide. Separate reports will be prepared for each office examined. If evidence of money laundering emerges, case files will be referred to prosecutors for potential criminal proceedings, while assets may also be frozen.

The Anti-Money Laundering Authority has already ordered the freezing of assets linked to the ongoing planning office investigation, including real estate and cash deemed suspicious.