The president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, Vangelis Liolios, and five other people have been arrested over alleged offences involving sports legislation, bribery and match-fixing.
Police carried out a major operation led by the Organised Crime Directorate, known as the “Greek FBI”. Six arrest warrants were issued around midday on Wednesday, including for Liolios, two federation board members and three referees.
The investigation reportedly covers about 50 games played between 2016 and 2026, from youth and school competitions to the top-tier Greek Basketball League. One match under scrutiny was allegedly played overseas.
Authorities reportedly found €820,000 in cash at a referee’s home in a provincial area, as well as substantial sums in the possession of other people involved. The amounts have raised questions about their origins, according to reports.
The case file is said to include statements from eight witnesses. Two are considered particularly significant because of their alleged knowledge of match-fixing. They are reportedly believed to have been bribed in the past, but are not expected to face charges after voluntarily coming forward with information.
The federation’s board said it held an emergency meeting after the arrest warrants were issued to brief members on the legal proceedings concerning alleged match-fixing in Greek basketball.
Source: Ekathimerini