Greek Basketball Match-Fixing Scandal: Officials Face Investigation and Detentions

Vangelis Liolios and Giorgos Mavraganis Arrive at Evelpidon for Match-Fixing Depositions

The Greek basketball match-fixing investigation reached a critical juncture on Sunday, October 25, 2026, when Hellenic Basketball Federation President Vangelis Liolios and close associate Giorgos Mavraganis arrived at the investigator’s office just before 10:00 AM to give their depositions.

The two had previously requested and received a deadline to prepare their statements while held temporarily at GADA. Prosecutors and the investigator are examining whether other individuals were involved in the alleged scheme to manipulate domestic and international basketball matches.

The formal charges target two main criminal acts: bribery and the offering of benefits to referees, athletes, and administrative officials to alter match outcomes for betting markets, alongside repeated illicit interventions in game results.

Defense Counsel Disputes Direct Links to Match Manipulation

Legal representation for the federation president maintains that no concrete evidence connects him to the altered games.

Papaioannou also addressed allegations concerning the fixing of children’s matches, stating that an unreliable person claimed to have done it with someone else rather than with Liolios. Following their depositions, the investigator and prosecutor are expected to decide on their further criminal treatment.

Petros Papapetrou Remanded in Custody Over 820,000 Euros

The judicial proceedings advanced rapidly following the detention of former referee Petros Papapetrou late Friday, October 23, 2026. Investigators uncovered 820,000 euros in cash during a search of his residence.

Papapetrou denied the accusations and presented documentation aiming to justify the funds. Defense attorney Orestis Georgiadis stated that paperwork submitted to authorities covered the years 2001 to 2026, showing roughly 1.5 million euros in income derived from employment as a referee, forestry service work, family income, and real estate transactions. According to his defense, the cash accumulated over 25 years through periodic bank withdrawals made by an individual living a frugal lifestyle in Katerini.

Defense counsel called the charges baseless and announced plans to appeal to the council of misdemeanors within ten days. The inquiry continues on Monday, October 26, 2026, with scheduled depositions from international referee Vaso Tsaroucha, refereeing special advisor Ilias Koromilas, and former referee and KED member Tasos Piloidis.

Anti-Money Laundering Authority Financial Examination

Michalis Dimitrakopoulos made a specific reference to the decision by the Authority for Combating Money Laundering to examine the financial status of persons connected to the case.

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