Halkidiki Corruption Scandal: 20 Suspects Testify in Marathon Hearings

08:02 16/12/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A two-day marathon hearing concluded late Saturday in a major corruption scandal involving urban planning officials across Halkidiki in northern Greece.

Twenty out of twenty-one suspects, including architects, engineers, surveyors, and municipal employees, appeared before an investigative judge to answer

charges related to bribery, money laundering, and participation in a criminal organization.

The remaining defendant, a department head at the Nea Propontida municipal building service, will testify on Monday after being granted a deadline extension.

All those who testified over the two days were released with varying restrictions, depending on their alleged involvement in the corruption scheme.

Some were banned from leaving the country or required to appear regularly at police stations, while others faced bail ranging from €5,000 to €100,000.

Among those who appeared before the judge on Saturday were administrative and urban planning staff from the municipalities under investigation, as well as members of the Halkidiki regional architecture council.

Friday's hearings saw testimonies from twelve suspects, including a former mayor who was released on €60,000 bail and restrictive orders.

All defendants have denied the charges against them.

The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption network and its impact on urban planning practices in the region.

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