Alpha News

Greek Tax Authority Dismantles Network of 'Straw Men' and Single-Use Tax IDs

Published February 13, 2026, 09:37

The AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) has dismantled a network of 'straw men' operating 380 businesses with debts totaling 43 million euros. The network used 205 individuals, mainly foreigners, as front managers, creating companies that disappeared as soon as an audit began, leaving behind huge debts. The scheme involved the use of single-use tax IDs and generated profits from the non-payment of VAT, social security contributions, and income tax. The AADE has identified similar phenomena in the past, with significant losses for the public sector. The network operated in an organized manner, with rapid company replacement and the use of bank cards and seals.