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White collar crime refers to non-violent offences committed for financial gain, often involving deception, breach of trust or abuse of a professional position. In Nea Smyrni - a municipality in the Athens metropolitan area - such cases are handled under Greek criminal and administrative law and are investigated by local police units, financial crime investigators and national authorities when needed. Prosecutions are brought before the courts that serve the Athens area. Typical matters include fraud, embezzlement, bribery, tax offences, money laundering, corporate misconduct and offences affecting capital markets.
You may need a lawyer as soon as there is an allegation, investigation or administrative action involving financial or corporate conduct. A lawyer can protect your rights during police interviews, represent you before prosecutors and courts, advise on responding to search warrants and document seizures, and help with parallel administrative or tax audits. Lawyers also work with forensic accountants and compliance experts to assess evidence, prepare legal defences, negotiate procedural steps and, where appropriate, pursue settlement or remedial measures to limit penalties and reputational harm.
Greek criminal law criminalizes a range of white collar offences including fraud, embezzlement and breach of trust, forgery of documents, bribery and corruption, tax evasion and money laundering. Corporate offences and securities law violations may be pursued under criminal statutes or regulated by administrative bodies. Investigations can be initiated by local police economic crime units, prosecutors or specialised national authorities. Financial institutions, lawyers, accountants and other professionals have reporting obligations under anti-money-laundering rules and may face administrative sanctions in addition to criminal exposure. Courts in the Athens judicial district handle prosecutions arising in Nea Smyrni, and sanctions can include fines, imprisonment, confiscation of proceeds and disqualification from professional activities. Criminal procedures provide rights to defence, to challenge evidence and to appeal convictions under the national court system.
White collar crime generally includes offences committed in the context of business, public service or professional activity for financial gain or advantage. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, bribery and corruption, tax offences, money laundering, forgery and breaches of corporate or securities laws. The local form of the offence will influence which investigators and prosecutors become involved.
Do not provide detailed statements before speaking with an experienced criminal lawyer. You have rights during questioning and to legal representation. Contact a lawyer promptly, preserve relevant documents and electronic records, and avoid deleting or altering files. Your lawyer can advise on whether to submit a written statement, how to respond to requests and how to protect privilege and confidentiality where applicable.
Authorities may execute search warrants if a prosecutor or judge authorises them based on reasonable grounds. Search and seizure power can extend to offices, business premises and electronic devices. During a search you should remain calm, identify yourself, ask to see the warrant and notify your lawyer as soon as possible. Do not obstruct an authorised search, but document what is taken and seek legal review afterwards.
No. A tax audit or administrative inquiry can result in civil or administrative assessments and penalties. Criminal charges generally require evidence of intentional wrongdoing or serious fiscal fraud. However, tax audits and criminal investigations often run in parallel, and findings in one process can affect the other. Legal advice early in the process can help manage both risks.
Penalties vary depending on the offence and its severity. Possibilities include fines, imprisonment, confiscation of unlawfully obtained funds, restitution orders and professional disqualification. Administrative sanctions can include monetary penalties or restrictions imposed by regulatory authorities. The court will consider the facts, intent, harm caused and any mitigating factors when deciding a sentence.
Yes. Investigators and prosecutors can seek provisional measures such as asset freezing, seizure and attachment to preserve potential evidence and secure assets for restitution or confiscation. Such measures usually require judicial authorisation. A lawyer can challenge excessive measures and seek proportionality in courts.
Timing varies widely. Preliminary investigations can take weeks to months, and full criminal proceedings through trial and appeal can take much longer. Complexity of evidence, number of defendants and involvement of parallel administrative or civil cases affect duration. Early legal strategy can help streamline defence and address procedural issues promptly.
No. Public statements or social media posts can harm your defence and be used as evidence. Avoid discussing case details publicly and follow your lawyer’s guidance about communications. Managing reputation often requires a coordinated legal and communications approach, but publicity should be handled cautiously.
Look for a criminal defence lawyer with experience in financial and white collar matters, familiarity with Athens courts and investigators, and an ability to work with forensic accountants when needed. Ask about previous case experience, approach to investigations, fee structure and whether the lawyer has local courtroom experience. Contact the Bar Association of Athens for listings and information about legal aid if finances are a concern.
Bring any official notices, court or prosecutor correspondence, search or arrest warrants, business records, accounting documents, contracts, emails and electronic communications that relate to the matter. A timeline of events and names of other involved parties will help the lawyer assess the situation. If documents are large or electronic, discuss secure ways to transfer them.
Useful resources include the Hellenic Police economic or financial crime units for matters under criminal investigation and the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit for anti-money-laundering reporting and queries. For tax-related investigations, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue handles audits and assessments. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission oversees securities market conduct and may investigate insider trading or market abuse. The Athens Bar Association provides information on qualified lawyers and legal aid schemes. The Ministry of Justice publishes information on procedural rights and court organisation. For accounting and forensic needs, consider firms experienced in forensic accounting and compliance reviews.
If you suspect you are under investigation or face allegations, act promptly. Preserve all potentially relevant documents and electronic records. Refrain from deleting files, communicating about the matter publicly or making statements without counsel. Contact an experienced criminal lawyer in the Athens area to arrange a confidential consultation. If you cannot afford private counsel, contact the Athens Bar Association about legal aid options. Prepare a clear chronology and gather contracts, bank statements and correspondence to help your lawyer assess the situation. Consider whether you will need forensic accounting or compliance specialists and discuss possible defence strategies and timelines. Early legal advice gives you the best chance to protect your rights, limit exposure and shape an effective response.
