Greek gambling sector faces scrutiny amid money laundering probe
The Hellenic AML Authority claims to have identified a possible money laundering involving government officials.
Greece.- The Greek gambling sector is facing scrutiny amid an investigation into money laundering that allegedly involved government officials and civil servants. The Hellenic AML Authority claims to have identified a possible money laundering operation that involved around 200 people, with money often allegedly passed through gambling products.
Investigators say that those involved would open accounts on licensed gambling platforms to obtain a code linked to their profile. They would then go to an affiliated retailer, such as a gas station or convenience store to deposit large amounts of cash to their gambling account, avoiding bank transfers.
The scheme allegedly took advantage of the fact that shop assistants wouldn’t usually ask for proof of funds. From the gambling account, the alleged perpetrators would then transfer the money to a personal bank account. The investigators cite individual deposits of up to €1m for which they were unable to clarify the origin of funds.
Some local reports suggest that at least 10 gambling operators are being scrutinised over transactions linked to the alleged money laundering operation.
The news comes as amid a national lottery tender in Greece. OPAP’s current licence agreement ends on May 1 2026. OPAP has been shortlisted for the new concession, with IGT’s rebranded lottery division Brightstar the only competitor.
Last month, the government announced plans to clamp down on illegal gambling in Greece, both online and offline. The Ministry of National Economy and Finance has been tasked with creating a new legal framework for the detection and prosecution of unlicensed operators.
Measures are expected to include the immediate closure of venues found hosting illegal gambling, including internet cafés and private clubs, licence revocation for complicit businesses and criminal charges, including imprisonment, for those who obstruct inspections or facilitate illicit gambling.
