Rhodes: Urban Planning Department corruption ring
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
One of the most extensive and organized corruption cases ever uncovered at the local government level is unfolding in Rhodes and centers on the Municipality's Building Service.
The case file reveals a multi-faceted ring with characteristics of a criminal organization, which operated within the Urban Planning Department with clear roles and structure, with the sole purpose of illicit enrichment through forged documents, building permits, "tampered" files and stamps.
According to the authorities, the members of the ring - including managers, employees, architects and engineers - allegedly turned the Service into a mechanism for providing "parallel" services for a fee. Prices ranged from 5,000 euros for simple “arrangements” up to 100,000 euros for cases of arbitrary or high fines.
“Service provision” with a tariff of 100,000 euros
At the heart of the organization were seven key individuals, including:
• K.Th., head of the Department of Issuing Building Permits,
• G.A., head of the Department of Construction Control,
• T.K., deputy director of the Building Service,
• S.I., head of the Archive,
• G.E., employee of the service,
• K.A., external architect-engineer,
• A.M., civil engineer.
Communication between them was done with coded phrases: “lettuce” and “grease” for money, “cousin” for the deputy director. Off-duty meetings, telephone communications via online applications and professional-level organization, formed a system with discipline, clear roles and hierarchy.
From the seal… to cash
K.A. allegedly possessed seals of the Service, files from the Archive, as well as 193 physical files of urban planning cases. He also had in his possession a shotgun, bronze coins of archaeological value, numerous forged documents, as well as winning OPAP lottery tickets – possibly to cover cash flows.
K.Th., according to the case file, had set up a “mechanism for handling” cases, even suggesting specific engineers (among them A.M.) and holding applications on e-Permits until a client was found.
She is accused of receiving 5,000 euros per case, while in her possession were found:
• 478,640 euros in cash
• 21 gold pounds
• A stamp from the Urban Planning Department
• A multitude of documents and personal notes
A multitude of designer women's handbags, from Hermès to Louis Vuitton, were also found in her home.
G.A., according to the report, proceeded with favorable reports, “compromising solutions” for arbitrary actions and ensured that fines were reduced. S.I. He delivered files and official books to K.A., for a fee, while he was in possession of a stun gun, fake car license plates, protocol books and 10,400 euros in cash.
