“Trade union mafia” truth or slander: facts, accusations and reactions around the GSEE leadership

Long-term Chairman General Confederation of Labor of Greece (GSEE) Yiannis Panagopoulos found himself at the center of a large-scale investigation Anti-Money Laundering Offices.

Two serious criminal offenses are being studied against him – embezzlement And money laundering.

As reported by the state TV channel ΕΡΤbank accounts Panagopoulos frozenand his membership in Socialist Party PASOK temporarily suspended until the circumstances of the case are clarified. Accounts frozen at the same time six alleged accomplices And six companiesinvolved in the investigation.

The investigation suspects the trade union leader of theft of large sums from national and European funds. It’s about the period 2020–2025during which, according to ΕΡΤ, funding in the amount of over 73 million euros.

Financing and tender scheme

According to the independent monitoring body, Panagopouloswhile being president three centers and vocational training institutessupposedly directly or indirectly directed government orders to specific companies, both directly and through chains of intermediaries.

Investigators say these companies alternately acted as contractors for each other, creating the appearance of legitimate activity. However, many contracts were not published on the state transparency portal Diavgeia.

As he writes Daily Kathimeriniin a number of cases, firms had neither the personnel nor the infrastructure to carry out the work and were used as “veil of legality”. Through fictitious transactions, according to investigators, at least 577,000 euros.

Financial analysts also revealed cash withdrawal for an amount over 1.5 million euros And unexplained translations to the personal accounts of persons associated with the suspects. The total amount of funds involved in the case as laundered is estimated at approximately 2 million euros.

Who else is involved in the case?

According to ERTnewsother persons are also under investigation, including the journalist Giorgos Kakusiswhose contract with ΕΡΤ was suspended. He states that he owns a communications company and all of his dealings with GSEE were legal and transparent.

The person involved in the case is Andreas Georgiouthe owner of a cybersecurity and project management company who also denies the allegations. In the context of the investigation, mention is made of resignation of Anna Stratinakiformer Secretary General of the Ministry of Labour, although she herself cited personal reasons.

Political reaction

Made a strong statement Communist Party of Greece (KKE)calling what is happening a manifestation “trade union mafia”. The party statement emphasized that the GSEE leadership has acted over the years as “Trojan horse of capital” in the labor movement, with the support of successive governments.

The KKE links the investigation to support for anti-worker measures, a “social agreement” with the government “New Democracy” and the exclusion of militant trade union federations from parliamentary discussions.

Panagopoulos’ position

Myself Panagopoulos denies the accusations. In his first public comment in Parliament he stated: “I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. I’m ready to stand trial. Restoring the truth is a matter of time“

He emphasized that did not receive an official conclusion from the prosecutor’s officeand called what was happening another slander campaign. Panagopoulos also promised to contact to national and European courtsaccusing “unscrupulous people” of manipulating public opinion.

For now Athens prosecutor’s office conducts preliminary investigation. The suspects will be called to testify, after which a decision will be made on whether to prosecute official criminal cases.

Yiannis Panagopoulos holds the post of chairman GSEE With 2008.

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