One of the most extensive and organized corruption cases ever revealed at the local government level is unfolding in Rhodes, with the focus on the Building Service of the Municipality.

The case file reveals a multi-person syndicate with characteristics of a criminal organization, operating within the Urban Planning Department with clear roles and structure, with the sole aim of illegal enrichment through forged documents, building permits, “tampered” files, and stamps.

According to the authorities, members of the syndicate – including supervisors, employees, architects, and engineers – allegedly turned the service into a mechanism for providing “parallel” paid services. The prices ranged from €5,000 for simple “arrangements” to €100,000 for cases involving illegal constructions or high fines.

“Service office” with a €100,000 fee
At the heart of the organization were seven key figures, including:

• K.Θ., Head of the Building Permits Department,
• G.A., Head of the Construction Inspection Department,
• 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.

Their communications were made using coded phrases: “lettuces” and “grease” referred to money, and “the cousin” referred to the deputy director. Meetings outside the office, phone calls via online applications, and professional-level organization formed a system with discipline, clear roles, and hierarchy.

From the stamp… to the cash
K.A. was reportedly in possession of stamps from the service, files from the Archive, and 193 physical files of urban planning cases. He also had a hunting rifle, copper coins of archaeological value, numerous forged documents, and winning lottery tickets from OPAP – possibly to cover financial flows.

K.Θ., according to the case file material, had set up a “mechanism” for handling cases, even recommending specific engineers (including A.M.) and holding applications in e-Άδειες until a client was found.

She is accused of receiving €5,000 per case, and at her residence, the following were found:

• €478,640 in cash
• 21 gold coins
• A stamp of the Urban Planning Department
• Numerous documents and personal notes

Also discovered at her house were a large number of brand-name women’s bags, from Hermès to Louis Vuitton.

G.A., according to the findings, conducted favorable inspections, “settling” illegal construction cases and ensuring fines were reduced. S.I. handed over files and service books to K.A. for a fee and was found with a starter pistol, fake car plates, protocol books, and €10,400 in cash.

How the Syndicate Operated – The Action Model

1. Identifying Clients
   Through acquaintances, contractors, or by intermediaries K.A. and A.M., individuals who wanted to settle urban planning issues (e.g., permit revisions, legalizing illegal constructions, changing uses, etc.) were identified – even if they did not meet the legal requirements.
2. Setting the Price
   The cost varied. In most cases, there was a “fee” for each service. Discussions always occurred with coded phrases (“lettuces,” “grease,” “let’s fix the cousin’s house”).
3. Employee Management
   K.Θ., T.K., G.A., S.I., and G.E. intervened in the case flow, either with entries in books, modifying files, or directly signing and forging documents.
4. Collecting or Concealing Files
   S.I. provided access to files. K.A. modified or destroyed original documents, creating a new base with forged information.
5. Completing the Case and Delivering the “Benefit”
   Successful completion was followed by payment in cash, either directly or through third parties. The amounts found show the frequency and scale of the transactions.

The Syndicate’s “Price List” – Example Fees per Service