Corruption scandal at Katerini planning office leads to 11 arrests

On November 2, 2026, the Greek Police Internal Affairs Service conducted a major operation against a corruption ring operating within the Katerini Planning Office (YDOM). Eleven individuals were arrested, including four senior staff members—such as the director—and seven private engineers, including surveyors, civil engineers, architects, and mechanical engineers. The operation took place across Northern Greece and Athens, resulting in the sealing of the building's second floor for evidence collection.

The investigation, which began in December 2025 following a formal complaint about an engineer demanding bribes to expedite cases, has uncovered a systemic pattern of illegal activities. Authorities have documented 151 criminal acts, with the organization allegedly profiting by over 135,000 euros. The group is accused of issuing irregular administrative acts and providing permits for illegal structures that did not meet legal requirements. In addition to the primary suspects, 64 other individuals, including a building inspector and another public official, have been implicated in the comprehensive case file.

The suspects are currently facing justice, with the legal proceedings ongoing as the court reviews the evidence collected through wiretapped conversations. The wiretaps reportedly captured discussions between private contractors regarding the ease with which the group circumvented urban planning regulations to legalize unauthorized construction.