Cooperation between Greek authorities and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has uncovered a large-scale customs fraud scheme linked to illicit imports through the port of Piraeus, officials said.
The investigation, code-named “Operation Calypso,” has so far led to eight arrests, including a Chinese couple and six customs officials, some of whom are active while others are retired.
Authorities said the case involves goods such as clothing, fabrics and electric bicycles, with fraud linked to tax evasion and undeclared imports. A 60-year-old customs official is believed to have acted as a key intermediary between the suspects.
The scale of the scheme remains unclear, with around 1,500 of the 1,750 seized containers still awaiting inspection.
A prosecutor working with the EPPO has charged three additional customs officials, including two retirees, for their alleged involvement in the network.
Revenues surge despite falling imports
Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis said the operation demonstrates the value of close cooperation between national and European institutions in tackling financial crime.
“Operation Calypso is a success story that proves cooperation between Greek and European authorities can produce significant results in fighting customs and tax fraud,” he said after meeting EPPO chief Laura Kovesi.
Authorities said recovered taxes from the operation contributed to an 11% increase in customs revenues in 2025, amounting to approximately 420 million euros, despite an overall decline in imports.
Ongoing investigation
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the seized containers, suggesting that the total scale of tax losses could be significantly higher.
The case highlights growing scrutiny of customs operations in major European ports and the role of cross-border cooperation in combating organized financial crime.