Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: White-collar crime

Sofos & Partners is best known for its expertise in dispute resolution, specifically, corporate and commercial settlements, arbitration, plea bargaining and corporate criminal cases. The team is led by Themistoklis Sofos who has vast litigation experience in substantive and appellate courts.

Firms in the Spotlight White-collar crime

White-collar crime in Greece

Anagnostopoulos

Anagnostopoulos is renowned for its expertise in high-value financial crime litigation. The firm represents leading multinational and domestic corporations across various industries, as well as sovereign entities and public organizations. Corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals also turn to the firm for advice in relation to criminal and regulatory risk management, as well as cross-jurisdictional investigations. The team is led by white-collar defence expert, Ilias Anagnostopoulos, who is a renowned litigator and has represented clients in cases related to money laundering, asset recovery, and art crimes.

Practice head(s):

Ilias Anagnostopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Alexandros Tsagkalidis; Jerina Zapanti; Ioannis Tsakalis


Testimonials

‘Excellent team and deep knowledge and experience of criminal law and white collar crime.’

‘Brilliant team members, very responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘The law firm consists of highly qualified and experienced criminologists, with in-depth knowledge of criminal law and procedure.’

‘Mr. Anagnostopoulos is an excellent criminologist, with integrity of character, reliability and dedication to the profession, a commanding presence in the audience and highly efficient. Mr. Tsagkalidis, is also an excellent criminal lawyer, persistent and detail-oriented, always shows a thorough knowledge of the case file, enjoys to explain strategy and procedure in detail and is always available for any queries and questions on the case by the client.’

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


Ericsson LM


Johnson & Johnson


Naval Group


TE Connectivity Ltd


Louis Dreyfus SA


Hellenic Petroleum SA


Nationale Nederlanden Hellas


Novartis Hellas SA


OPAP SA


MYTILINEOS Group


Hellenic Petroleum SA


adidas Hellas


Vivartia SA


Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd


Karelia Tobacco Company Inc.


Hellas Gold SA


Work highlights


  • Advised Novartis Hellas SA in relation to criminal and regulatory proceedings on bribery, false accounting, and money laundering charges.
  • Advised NN Hellas in relation to criminal proceedings on fraud, perjury, and defamation charges.
  • Represented former Siemens and former De Puy/Johnson& Johnson employees in trial hearings on bribery and money laundering charges.

GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm

GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm is a go-to firm for all financial crime matters. The team handles a diverse range of clients including domestic and foreign financial institutions, major politicians and clients active in construction, aviation and media industry.  The firm has particular expertise in handling criminal tax related cases against multinationals and regularly handles criminal matters for state owned enterprises. The group is led by Ioannis Giannidis who has broad experience providing legal advice on averting criminal liability and representing executives in criminal trials. In June 2023, Dimitra Dai joined from POTAMITISVEKRIS.

Practice head(s):

Ioannis Giannidis


Other key lawyers:

Panagiotis Koureleas; Natasha Kaisari; Ioanna Korbi; Dimitrios Voulgaris; Dimitra Dai


Testimonials

Mr. P. Koureleas: his performance and passion were outstanding.’

‘They are always available and have excellent response timing.’

‘Exceptional knowledge of the market, top professionals.’

‘Excellent performance, deep knowledge of criminal law issues but also great understanding of other areas of law which makes the practice competent to deal successfully with complex white-collar crime cases.’

‘Responsive; excellent collaboration; trustworthy; great expertise; good business sense.’

Key clients

Chiquita Brands L.L.C.


Hellas Gold S.A.


Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP S.A.)


Skroutz S.A.


Raycap S.A.


e-EFKA (National Social Security Agency)


Hellenic Post


Pfizer Hellas S.A.


ELAIS – Unilever


Fraport Greece


Heracles Group of Companies, member of Lafargeholcim Group


PQH Special Liquidator for Credit Institutions


Hellenic Public Properties Company S.A.


Piraeus Bank


Eurobank S.A.


Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator S.A.


Wind Hellas Telecommunications S.A.


Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund


Public Power Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Hellas Gold on matters of corporate criminal liability and offences arising in the context of mining.

POTAMITISVEKRIS

POTAMITISVEKRIS stands out for its expertise in representing corporate clients in both civil and criminal law. The team combines its knowledge of criminal law and procedure with knowledge in areas such as employment and tax to deliver a fully rounded defence to white collar crime. The practice has also recently expanded its scope to cover administrative offences, such as those related to tax and AML. The team is led by Konstantinos Papadiamantis who has over 25 years of experience representing financial institutions in commercial and criminal litigation. Dimitra Dai left for GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Konstantinos Papadiamantis


Testimonials

‘First class law firm with an excellent overall reputation and position within the Greek legal system.’

‘Konstantinos Papadiamantis – First class partner. Extremely commercial. A very good litigator.’

‘Excellent team!’

‘Knowledgeful and experienced.’

‘They have an excellent reputation and are deeply knowledgeable and experienced.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank


Haris Siganos


John Minagias


Eleni Spanopoulou


Folli Follie


Fais Group


AstraZeneca Greece


PQH


Panagiotis Chilakos


Eurobulk Ltd


Work highlights


  • Represented the CEO and sales’ manager of AstraZeneca Greece accused of unjustifiable refusal of sale to a specific Greek wholesaler and abuse of dominant position in the market of specific pharmaceutical products.
  • Represented Haris Siganos under his capacity of ex Vice President of a Greek Bank, before the Supreme Criminal Court of Greece.
  • Advised Folli Follie under its current management appointed by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, as claimant, against FF’s founders in pending criminal proceedings for accusations of breach of trust.

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm has an established white-collar crime practice which regularly represents clients in complex cross border litigation relating to laundering, bribery, forgery, sanctions, cybersecurity, and tax evasion. The firm also handles matters related to urban planning violations, particularly for clients in the telecommunications industry. John Kyriakides leads the team with experience in financial crime and litigation; he is supported by Panos Alexandris who has advised several high-profile political figures and governmental organizations. Niki Orfanidou is an expert in both civil and criminal litigation.

Practice head(s):

John Kyriakides; Panos Alexandris; Niki Orfanidou


Testimonials

‘Professional; excellent knowledge of their subjects; continuous availability; fair pricing; team spirit; technological sustainability.’

‘The team is characterised from unique specialization and hard-working spirit, providing us with state-of-the art legal services.’

 

 

 

A. & K. Metaxopoulos & Partners Law Firm

A. & K. Metaxopoulos & Partners Law Firm ‘s white-collar practice has broad expertise in financial disputes and has a growing track record of representing companies and top executives in cases linked to financial crime and corporate fraud. The team is competently led by Kriton Metaxopoulos who has vast experience representing clients before civil and penal courts in Greece, France, Italy, Romania and the UK. He is supported by Asterios Syssilas  who has regularly advises high net worth individuals and corporate entities within the media and entertainment industry.

Practice head(s):

Kriton Metaxopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Asterios Syssilas; Achilleas Christodoulou


Testimonials

‘They do high quality cases for serious clients with criminal and civil expertise for these types of matter. They do so to a high standard.’

‘Kriton Metaxopoulos is an experienced and astute lawyer.’

Key clients

adidas Hellas SA


Albert Abela Group of Companies


Astir Palace Vouliagmenis


Work highlights


  • Represented a UK national of Lebanese origin who was the victim of a multimillion Euro fraud, bankruptcy and white-collar crime committed, in one of the clients’ companies in Italy.
  • Represented the owner of one of the most famous and prestigious luxury Hotels in Greece, in litigation against former management concerning serious misconduct and breach of managers’ duties.
  • Represented a widely renowned athletic sportswear and footwear company and its Greek subsidiary in their dispute related in principle to the termination of a franchise agreement with their principal local franchisee and the recovery of sums by the local franchisee, of a total value €23m.

Dryllerakis & Associates

Dryllerakis & Associates’s white-collar crime team is known for its aptitude with handling cases before both the civil and criminal courts, as well as its expertise with administrative law. Vassilis Constantinidis  has 25 years of experience in corporate litigation and specialises in corporate law disputes, business, civil, and commercial litigation, as well as IP disputes and employment law disputes. Panagiotis Kakaletris is an asset to the team with intricate knowledge of anti-money laundering and anti-corruption legislation and a proven track record in handling civil, corporate, and public procurement disputes. The team is led by John Dryllerakis.

Practice head(s):

John Dryllerakis


Other key lawyers:

Manolis Zografakis; Vassilis Constantinidis; Panagiotis Kakaletris


Testimonials

‘The team is committed, wise, hard working and tireless.’

‘What I consider as most important is the philosophy and the moral values of the team. The members of the team have “true” interest on the cases and their priority is to provide good service. I also consider the fees compared to the value of the services as quite fair.’

‘The difference is that individuals have adopted the philosophy of the law office to set up as first priority true interest and support to the cases of their clients.’

Key clients

Burlington B.V.


Olympic Brewery (Carlsberg Group)


Work highlights


Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm has an established white-collar crime practice which regularly represents clients in complex cross border litigation relating to laundering, bribery, forgery, sanctions, cybersecurity, and tax evasion. The firm also handles matters related to urban planning violations, particularly for clients in the telecommunications industry. John Kyriakides leads the team with experience in financial crime and litigation. He is supported by Panos Alexandris who has advised several high-profile political figures and governmental organizations. Niki Orfanidou is an expert in both civil and criminal litigation.

 

Practice head(s):

John C. Kyriakides; Panos Alexandris; Niki Orfanidou


Testimonials

‘Full professionalism, excellent knowledge of their subjects, continuous availability, fair pricing, team spirit, technological sustainability’

‘We work closely with Senior Partner & Chairman of the Management Committee Gus Papamichalopoulos and Managing Partner John Kyriakides who are characterized from unique specialization and hardworking spirit, providing us with state-of-the art legal services’

 

Work highlights


Bernitsas Law

Bernitsas Law offers representation and expertise across all areas of white-collar crime, primarily for clients in the banking, pharmaceuticals, electronics, defence, automobile and retail industries. The team has a large focus on risk assessment and management and leverages broad experience conducting corporate and criminal investigations. The practice has an international outlook and often works in collaboration with leading international firms on complex cross-border disputes. Panayotis Bernitsas is a senior litigator with expertise in anticompetitive practice, while fellow co-head Christos Paraskevopoulos regularly represents clients in debt recovery and enforcement, with a specialisation in the area of hospital supply agreements.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas; Christos Paraskevopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Evangelos Mamalakis


Testimonials

‘Bernitsas Law Firm demonstrates a high level of expertise in a diverse array of legal matters. The team is characterized by its high professionalism, collaborative approach and responsiveness.’

‘Mr Paraskevopoulos demonstrates a high level of expertise in all related matters.’

‘Excellent skills in white collar crime and fraud.’

Key clients

AMPNI


Kosmocar SA


Work highlights


  • Represented a banking and wealth management services provider in measures for the temporary seize of assets due to fraud committed against them in addition to representation in actions and proceedings within the competence of the Greek Anti Money laundering Authority.
  • Advised a leading international banking institution on disputes arising in the context of a civil action for alleged moral and actual damages, defamation and tort action.
  • Advised Kosmocar, a leading importer and distributor in Greece of Volkswagen, Skoda and AUDI vehicles, which is a party to civil proceedings initiated against it by consumers allegedly affected by software installed therein aiming to optimize NOx emissions in certain vehicle models.

Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm

Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm stands out for its specialist knowledge of white-collar and maritime crimes related to business and financial fraud. The firm also has track record success representing clients in cross-border cases of capital market abuse, and can call upon particular experience representing clients in the maritime and aviation industry. The team adopts an interdisciplinary approach, often collaborating with experts in administrative and commercial law. The group is led by Ioannis Iriotis who has over forty years of experience.

Practice head(s):

Ioannis Iriotis


Testimonials

‘The people and its ethics certainly makes the difference.’

‘Knowledgeable; willingness to assist; quick and efficient replies and actions.’

‘Responsive; hands-on; effective.’

‘Ioannis Iriotis Law Firm provides the highest quality legal services related to criminal law, being fast, detailed and diligent.’

‘They stand out for their experience, displaying professionalism and diligence and always providing valuable legal advice for our company’s interests, regarding a wide variety of criminal law issues.’

‘The firm as a whole has dignity in the Piraeus business community.’

‘Very polite, respecting also the view of their clients in building up a case.’

‘The team is characterized by commitment and is highly skilled in specialized fields of criminal law and criminal procedure.’

Key clients

Motor Oil


EDF Renewables Hellas


Hellenic Halivourgia


Moore Stephens SA


Allseas Marine


PIMA SA


Overseas Maritime Hellas Ltd


General Shipping SA


Ancora Shipping


Axis Bulk Carriers


Creta Farm S.A.


Intrakat S.A.


Work highlights


  • Represented EDF before the Prosecutor of Athens in a case pertaining to fraud, bribery and money laundering, with a value of €2.4m that were committed against the company.
  • Advised and represented AXIS BULK CARRIERS on a €350k fraud case against a former charterer.

Machas & Partners Law Firm

Machas & Partners Law Firm is well recognised for its representation of corporations and individuals before criminal courts. The firm regularly represents clients abroad through co-operation with local criminal specialists and representations before the European court of human rights. The practice is also adept at handling extradition cases, and is led by Petros Machas and Alexandros Androutsopoulos.

Practice head(s):

Petros Machas; Alexandros Androutsopoulos


Testimonials

‘Machas and Partners is an extremely competent legal firm, consisting of very knowledgeable and well-trained legal experts. Each Division within the firm maintains a very specialized body of legal expertise which is a safety factor as to the outcomes of their cases and their successful completion.’

‘Machas & Partners has been handling white-collar crime cases since its inception, considering that many prestigious clients were actively involved in the management of large, private companies or state-owned companies. Hence, it has been providing its full legal support that pertained either to consulting services aiming at the best service of their clients’ interests within the framework of a complex Greek legal environment or tackling penal issues that have arisen during their activities.’

‘Machas & Partners is known for being an unconventional and progressive thinking firm focusing on the needs of its commercial and private clients across a number of industry sectors. They manage complex cross border transactions and investments that require ingenuity and business acumen enabling their clients to meet their goals.’

‘The firm offers high-value litigation services and sophisticated advice.’

‘The team deploys a comprehensive range of strategic and tactical options to deliver optimal solutions on the most sensitive and demanding mandates.’

‘The Machas Firm is highly professional with international exposure. Always on time in meeting deadlines, very well-prepared at court, with wide and long experience. The firm has the capacity to handle complex and difficult cases.’

‘Highly motivated personnel. Petros Machas, the main partner, is a very well-educated and talented professional.’

Work highlights


OVVADIAS S NAMIAS LAW FIRM

OVVADIAS S NAMIAS LAW FIRM is a boutique firm which specialises in financial criminal law. The firm provides consulting and litigation services to both natural persons and legal entities in cases concerning bribery, tax evasion, customs office offences, money laundering and insider trading. The practice is led by Ovvadias Namias who has broad experience providing consulting services and in court assistances in cases of European criminal law.

Practice head(s):

Ovvadias Namias


Other key lawyers:

Ilias Spyropoulos


Testimonials

‘Specialist white collar crime practice providing exceptional representation to individuals and corporates in complex matters.’

‘Dr. Namias is a hugely accomplished practitioner. Intelligent, hardworking and strategic. He is on top of the detail and provides a reassuring service to clients.’

‘High level of knowledge. Speciality in white collar criminal law.’

‘The team at Ovvadias Namias Law Firm is very professional, well organized, completely dedicated to the client, reliable and trustworthy.’

‘The quality of what is delivered is very high-level. The lawyers provide assistance in a timely manner with accurate opinions and advice every time.’

‘Ovvadias Namias has a wealth of experience in white-collar crime matters, representing companies and credit institutions in investigations and criminal and civil proceedings.’

‘The team is unique as it combines excellent knowledge of the Greek criminal code with understanding of the business thinking.’

‘Dr Namias is undoubtedly the leading practitioner and star individual of the Firm. He has got deep knowledge of the Greek criminal law framework and experience of the Greek market.’

Key clients

Alpha Bank


GEK Terna


Fosun Group


Olympia Odos SA


Olympia Group SA


ERGO Insurance SA


SFS S.A.


Blue House Group


Work highlights


  • Advised client on fraud and money laundering against the Greek State.
  • Advised Fosun on penal issues and filing of a criminal complaint against the former BoD of Folli Follie.
  • Conducted internal investigation on behalf of the company against a former employee for the allegations of embezzlement and money laundering.

Troulis & Co.

Troulis & Co. has built a strong reputation for its proficiency at representing high net worth individuals before investigative authorities in cases related to tax fraud, money laundering, market manipulation and insider dealing.  Team head Manolis Troulis is an expert in criminal defence and regularly advises clients on preventative measures to reduce the risk of civil and criminal penalties. Kelly Volakaki focuses on financial criminal law and often handles complex cross-border litigation in cases pertaining to money laundering, bribery and forgery.

Practice head(s):

Manolis Troulis; Kelly Volakaki


Testimonials

‘The professionalism of Troulis & Co. lawyers and the confidentiality are some of the elements of their success.’

‘Mr. Troulis offer us quality legal services.’

‘Excellent reputation for providing advice and representation.’

Work highlights