Greek police dismantle NGO fraud network targeting sick children

Greek police have dismantled a criminal organization that operated through an NGO to collect donations for children with serious illnesses and disabilities, mainly various forms of cancer. Six members of the organization were arrested in early-morning raids across multiple regions on Friday, October 30, 2026.

The network allegedly used social media to publish photos of children and descriptions of their needs, requesting financial assistance for treatment, hospitalization, transport, and accommodation. Well-known artists, athletes, and businesspeople participated as donors, with their contributions publicly displayed to boost the NGO's credibility.

“Part of the illegal proceeds allegedly went toward manipulating football match results and funding football clubs.”

Police said the fundraising activities were conducted without the required license, and only a limited portion of the money reached the actual beneficiaries. Authorities recorded 92 fundraisers for 74 beneficiaries, identifying 55 of them.

The estimated illegal financial gain from 34 cases of beneficiary children is approximately 2.83 million euros. Deposits exceeding 5.8 million euros were discovered in the NGO's accounts and in the account of the main suspect.

Part of the illegal proceeds allegedly went toward manipulating football match results and funding football clubs. The investigation began after a complaint about the NGO's operation and continued with a prosecutor's order and extensive examination of financial transactions.

Officers seized mobile phones, computers, portable digital storage devices, bags and wallets from famous fashion houses, watches from well-known companies, and 18,330 euros in cash.

The suspects face charges including criminal organization, aggravated fraud, aggravated embezzlement, and money laundering from criminal activities.