Introduction
Police corruption in Greece has been a longstanding issue, deeply intertwined with the country’s socioeconomic and political landscape. From bribery and organized crime connections to excessive use of force, reports of misconduct within the Hellenic Police have raised concerns both domestically and internationally. Despite efforts to curb corruption through legislative reforms and anti-corruption initiatives, Greece continues to grapple with systemic challenges that undermine public trust in law enforcement. This article explores recent reports of police corruption, its historical context, and ongoing efforts to address it.
Historical Context
Corruption in Greece has roots in its post-independence history, particularly following the War of Independence (1821–1830). High-ranking officials, accustomed to unchecked power under Ottoman rule, often maintained their influence in the newly formed Greek state, fostering a culture of tax evasion and favoritism. This historical backdrop has contributed to a perception of corruption as a “national sport,” with tax evasion alone costing the state up to €30 billion annually. Within this environment, police corruption has flourished, exacerbated by a lack of robust internal oversight mechanisms until recent decades.
Forms of Police Corruption
Bribery and Extortion
Bribery is a common form of police corruption in Greece, with 96% of citizens viewing it as an acceptable practice to avoid penalties or secure services like driver’s licenses. Reports indicate that police officers have been involved in protection rackets, extorting businesses such as brothels and casinos. A notable case in 2020 revealed a network of corrupt officers offering “protection” to illegal operations, generating an estimated €1 million monthly turnover. In 2021, at least 30 officers were implicated in an illegal citizenship racket, with a high-ranking officer allegedly leading the scheme, which involved €320,000 in illicit cash.
Organized Crime Connections
The Greek police have faced accusations of deep ties to organized crime. In 2023, opposition leader Alexis Tsipras claimed that the “Greek mafia is in the police,” pointing to a criminal organization involving active and retired officers running a protection racket across 900 businesses. Shockingly, one implicated official was promoted to director of the Attica Security Department, highlighting systemic oversight failures. More recently, in July 2025, high-ranking officers were arrested for trafficking seized drugs worth millions, with one officer reportedly amassing €5 million in bank accounts without raising suspicion.
Human Trafficking and Migrant Abuse
Police involvement in human trafficking has been a growing concern, particularly given Greece’s role as a gateway for migrants entering Europe. In 2015, officers in Santorini were found providing fake documentation and plane tickets to illegal immigrants. In 2024, border guards were arrested for involvement in a smuggling network bringing migrants from Türkiye. Additionally, reports of police brutality against migrants, including ethnic profiling and arbitrary detentions during operations like Xenios Zeus (2012–2013), have drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
Excessive Use of Force
Complaints of police brutality have surged in recent years, particularly during protests and lockdowns. In 2021, the Greek Ombudsman reported a 75% increase in complaints against police, attributing it to heightened policing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidents include officers using tear gas and batons on peaceful protesters, with one notable case involving a high-speed tow truck incident during a rally. Such actions have fueled accusations of impunity, with investigations often marred by bias or inadequate follow-up.
Impact on Public Trust
Police corruption has significantly eroded public confidence in law enforcement. A 2024 Eurobarometer survey found that 54% of Greeks believe corruption influences unfair outcomes in public tenders and services. The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Greece 59th out of 180 countries with a score of 49/100, reflecting persistent public sector corruption. High-profile scandals, such as the 2022 Predatorgate spyware case involving surveillance of journalists and politicians, have further damaged trust in state institutions, including the police.
Efforts to Combat Corruption
Legislative Reforms
Greece has implemented several reforms to address corruption. The National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), launched in 2016 with support from the OECD and European Commission, aims to enhance integrity and reduce corruption through technical empowerment of authorities. The 2019 Penal Code and recent amendments under Law 5090/2024 have clarified bribery offenses, though a precise legal definition of “corruption” remains absent. Whistleblower protections were strengthened with Law 4990/2022, transposing EU Directive 2019/1937, to encourage reporting of misconduct.
Internal Oversight
The Hellenic Police Internal Affairs Unit has been tasked with investigating corruption cases, with 1,122 complaints handled in 2018 alone. In 2023, the unit reported an 18% increase in cases, with 910 investigations involving police, border guards, and customs agents. However, critics argue that the unit lacks sufficient resources and independence, often facing political interference. The 2022 GRECO report emphasized the need for stronger anti-corruption regulations within the police, including better disciplinary systems and whistleblower protections.
Technological Measures
In response to brutality allegations, body cameras were introduced for police officers in 2021 following a high-profile incident in Nea Smyrni. Additionally, a 2017 electronic platform was launched by the Health Ministry to tackle corruption in healthcare, reflecting broader efforts to digitize public services and reduce opportunities for bribery.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The GRECO report noted that anti-corruption measures for police were absent from earlier NACAP iterations, and working conditions, including low female representation (14%), remain problematic. Investigations into police misconduct are often criticized for lacking transparency and impartiality, with officers accused of hiding evidence or transferring detainees to avoid scrutiny. Political influence and the politicization of the police force, particularly evident during leadership changes, further complicate reform efforts.
Recent Developments
In 2025, reports of police involvement in drug trafficking underscored the ongoing crisis. Posts on X highlighted public outrage, with users questioning how high-ranking officers could accumulate millions without detection. A Reuters report from March 2025 noted a doubling of corruption complaints, signaling increased public awareness but also the scale of the problem. These incidents reflect a broader systemic issue, with the police force struggling to balance its law enforcement mandate with internal accountability.
Conclusion
Police corruption in Greece remains a significant challenge, rooted in historical practices and exacerbated by socioeconomic factors. While reforms like the NACAP and whistleblower protections show progress, their effectiveness is limited by political interference, inadequate oversight, and a culture of impunity. Addressing this issue requires not only stronger legal frameworks but also a cultural shift toward transparency and accountability. Until these systemic issues are resolved, public trust in the Hellenic Police will remain fragile, hindering Greece’s broader anti-corruption efforts.