According to *Kathimerini*, the case file regarding the illegal betting scandal in Greek basketball includes several messages containing the alleged communications between the individuals involved in the case, who are expected to provide explanations beforethe 9th regular investigating judge.
They include Hellenic Basketball Federation (EOK) President Vangelis Liolios, three former and current referees, a chief referee and special advisor on refereeing, and a businessman and former athlete. All were arrested on Wednesday and are expected to appear before an investigator on Thursday to request an extension.
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The investigation focuses on approximately 50 matches, ranging from the First Division to youth and school leagues, with the period under investigation reportedly spanning from 2016 to 2026.
One of the messages reportedly included in the case file is attributed to an individual involved in the case, who appears to be asking a team official before a match: “Who do you want me to get sent off with five fouls?” The content of the message is one of the pieces of evidence being examined as part of the investigation, which concerns alleged interference in the conduct of games across different divisions of the sport.
The arrest warrants for the six individuals were issued by the investigating judge with the consent of the sports prosecutor and were executed by the Sub-Directorate for Combating Violence in Sports Venues. According to reports, the decision to issue the warrants was based on the assessment that, since they remain active in the field, there was a risk they would continue their illegal activities. Those involved are reportedly being prosecuted, as appropriate, for bribery and accepting bribes under sports legislation, as well as for match-fixing.
The case began to unravel following a complaint filed in April 2026 by the Marousi team, raising concerns about the operations of the Hellenic Basketball Federation and its president.
That summer, a complaint followed from a coach of an Athens team, who presented, among other things, messages he had exchanged in the past, while working for a team in Patras, with its “shadow” president and current Greek basketball official. The coach believed that the team he coached last year was being treated unfairly on the court as part of a broader power struggle, while the statements he provided were part of the evidence submitted to the relevant authorities.
Subsequently, according to reports, statements and complaints from eight witnesses followed. Among them are two individuals who are said to have particularly significant knowledge of match-fixing incidents. Their testimonies are of great importance to the progress of the investigation, as they are said to have been involved in bribery cases in the past, however, they voluntarily approached the authorities and disclosed everything they knew about the alleged match-fixing.
According to reports, the decision not to prosecute them is based on Article 132 of Law 2725/1999, which provides for lenient treatment of offenders who, under the conditions set forth by law, contribute to the prevention of a planned crime or to the disclosure and punishment of those involved. The two witnesses are said to have provided crucial information regarding the case, as their testimonies are believed to help shed light on the alleged practices in the world of basketball.
Among the approximately 50 games under investigation is reportedly a match played abroad, which had drawn the authorities’ attention following a complaint by a foreign team regarding an attempted bribe of Greek referees shortly before a domestic league playoff game. That specific complaint had led to sanctions being imposed by FIBA.
At the same time, during the investigations, a sum of 820,000 euros was reportedly found at the home of one of the arrested individuals, which—according to reports—cannot be accounted for. This discovery, along with text messages and witness statements, is included in the evidence being examined as part of the investigation. Meanwhile, however, as the defendants’ statements are being taken, other investigative actions are continuing, such as searches of the homes of individuals involved, and it cannot be ruled out that a request to lift the confidentiality of communications may be made.
*photo source: basket.gr
