European prosecutors are investigating a large-scale VAT and customs fraud scheme linked to Chinese organised crime that has touched multiple EU countries. In June, Greek authorities raided offices at the port of Piraeus and uncovered €2.7mn in cash in the office of a customs broker, plus another €300,000 at his home. The seizures were part of a wider European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) probe, which has already frozen over €5mn in bank accounts, confiscated €4.8mn in cash, and seized properties, vehicles, and more than 2,400 shipping containers worth an estimated €250mn.

Nearly 500 guests — from the Greek parliament, government, political parties, armed forces, business, academia, and the diplomatic corps — gathered in Athens this week for a reception hosted by China’s ambassador, Fang Qiu. The event marked 76 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and served as a showcase for the growing ties between Athens and Beijing.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni is on an official visit to China in order to expand cultural cooperation between the two countries and to attend the inauguration of the exhibition "Daedalus, Legends of Crete", organized by the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion in cooperation with the Palace Museum in Beijing, on the occasion of the Chinese museum's centennial.