Hall Of Fame

Firms in the Spotlight White-collar crime

White-collar crime in Greece

Anagnostopoulos

With expertise spanning across the energy, shipping, and pharmaceuticals industries, the Anagnostopoulos white-collar crime practice is heavily praised for handling corporate fraud, money laundering, and tax offence issues. The Athens-based multilingual team is led by Ilias Anagnostopoulos, who has 30 years’ experience in dealing with business and financial fraud matters, whilst Alexandros Tsagkalidis focuses on asset recovery and mutual assistance requests. Ioannis Tsakalis is an expert on criminal and regulatory risk management, and associate Alexandros Mezari specialises in European criminal and extradition law affairs since joining the firm in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ilias Anagnostopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Alexandros Tsagkalidis; Ioannis Tsakalis; Alexandros Mezari; Padelis Bratis


Testimonials

‘Ilias is widely regarded as the best white collar criminal lawyer in Greece.’

‘We recently entrusted ANAGNOSTOPOULOS with the handling of a fatal sea accident on appeal. Their innovative approach to this case, which was handled by Professor Ilias Anagnostopoulos and Partner Alexandros Tsagkalidis in court, included the use of a video describing the cause of the accident which was the catalyst for winning the case. Overall, Anagnostopoulos team consists of experienced lawyers who offer creative and practical solutions to their clients.’

‘ANAGNOSTOPOULOS is led by Professor Ilias Anagnostopoulos, who is one of the best criminal lawyers in Greece. Ilias is very experienced, well organised/prepared for the case, diligent, with immense legal knowledge in his field, bright, dedicated to the client and a team worker. Mr. Alexandros Tsagkalidis is an asset for the firm; he is knowledgeable, flexible, personal and practical. His contribution in winning our case on appeal was invaluable.’

 

Key clients

Deutsche Bank


Johnson & Johnson


ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems


CMA CGM


Helleniq Energy


Mytilineos Group


Novartis Hellas


OPAP SA


adidas Hellas


Nationale Nederlanden Hellas


Mondelez Hellas


Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd


Hellas Gold SA


Louis Dreyfus SA


Sterner Stenhus AB


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented former Siemens and OTE officers in appellate proceedings on bribery and money laundering charges.
  • Successfully represented the former artistic director of the Athens/Epidaurus Festival in court proceedings for breach of trust.
  • Represented a former DePuy Ltd./Johnson & Johnson officer in ongoing appellate proceedings on bribery, fraud and money laundering charges.

Dryllerakis & Associates

Frequently handling claims before the civil and criminal courts, the Dryllerakis & Associates white-collar crime practice displays extensive expertise in all aspects of money laundering and tax assessment cases. The team represents domestic and international corporations from across the beverages, aviation, and publishing sectors, with vast experience in advising on proceedings appearing before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. With the group based in Athens, Gerassimos Apergis is an expert litigator in civil law disputes, whilst Vassilis Constantinidis has a specialisation in business law matters. Manolis Zografakis focuses on general white-collar crime issues, and Panagiotis Kakaletris is knowledgeable in public procurement disputes.

Practice head(s):

John Dryllerakis


Other key lawyers:

Gerassimos Apergis; Vassilis Constantinidis; Manolis M. Zografakis; Panagiotis Kakaletris


Key clients

Burlington B.V.


Olympic Brewery (Carlsberg Group)


Work highlights


GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm

Counting Greek and foreign financial institutions and funds amongst its key clients, the GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm has extensive experience of handling major fraud and corruption cases. Demonstrating multifaceted expertise across the aviation, pharmaceutical, and mining industries, the firm provides bespoke advice on corporate compliance issues, with the Athens-based founder Ioannis Giannidis being an expert in financial crime and criminal tax cases. Panagiotis Koureleas specialises in corporate business criminal law, whilst Natasha Kaisari focuses on money laundering affairs. Ioanna Korbi is knowledgeable in white-collar crime cases, and senior associate Dimitra Dai acts on behalf of individuals and executive officers since joining the firm in June 2023.


Practice head(s):

Ioannis Giannidis


Other key lawyers:

Panagiotis Koureleas; Natasha Kaisari; Ioanna Korbi; Dimitra Dai; Nikolaos Ganiaris


Testimonials

‘GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm is a truly valuable partner for every business, providing legal services of high quality and performance, while always retaining a business- oriented approach.’

‘Panagiotis Koureleas, Deputy Managing Partner, is renowned for his proactive and strategic approach in the handling of white- collar criminal litigation cases. His driven nature and spotless track record make him stand out as one of the best white- collar criminal attorneys in the field.’

Nikolaos Ganiaris is a prominent Associate in GIANNIDISKOURELEAS Law Firm. His work ethic and academic skills paint the picture of a valuable and promising young attorney.’

‘I work closely with Panagiotis Koureleas. I strongly value that the fact that he does not try to create additional legal work, but he is genuinely trying to protect the client’s interests.’

‘The two partners whose name appear in the company logo, i.e. Prof. Giannidis and Panagiotis Koureleas are leading the legal practice of the firm together with a team of very competent associates. The biggest advantage of this team, except from their superb legal knowledge on matters of criminal law and law in general, is that they understand how business executives think and take decisions and therefore they are capable of providing the necessary information so that these executives and their in house legal counsels can take calculated decisions.’

‘I work mostly with Panagiotis Koureleas who is my point of reference for this law firm and whenever we consider appropriate, we involve also Professor Giannidis. Panagiotis Koureleas is super diligent, responsive and has an excellent feeling of how the case is proceeding inside the Courtroom. He has a deep understanding on how businesses work and therefore he understands strong and weak points very quickly. A very reliable and trustworthy business partner.’

‘Yannis Yiannides: Very good knowledge of criminal and other fields of law, commercial sense, vast experience as he has handled numerous court cases.
Panagiotis Koureleas: Strong analytical skills, very good knowledge of criminal procedure and the intricacies of the legal system. Very conscious of the commercial and financial aspects of the cases.

‘Panagiotis Koureleas, as owner and managing partner of the firm, is always in charge, is analytical and understandably explains all aspects of the pending cases and shows great rates of success in difficult cases. The billing of the legal support is insignificant compared to the effectiveness of the firm.’

Key clients

ELAIS – Unilever Hellas S.A.


Pfizer Hellas S.A.


Chiquita Brands L.L.C.


Fraport (member of Fraport AG Frankfurt


Airport Services Worldwide)


Alfa – Vita Vasilopoulos S.A. (member of Ahold Delhaize)


Heracles Group of Companies (member of Lafargeholcim Group)


Bureau Veritas


Hellas Gold S.A. (member of Eldorado Gold Corporation)


Piraeus Bank


Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)


Imerys Bauxites Greece S.A.


Aegean Motorway S.A.


Independent Power Transmission Operator S.A.


Panik Entertainment Group Ltd


Nova Telecommunications & Media S.A.


Energean Oil & Gas S.A.


Moreas S.A.


PQH Single Liquidation S.A.


e-EFKA (National Social Security Agency)


Water Supply and Sewerage Company (Eydap S.A.)


Hellenic General Insurance Company S.A.


“The Ethniki” TE.MES. S.A.


Hellenic Public Properties Company S.A. (HPPC)


Work highlights


  • Represented the executives of the mining company Hellas Gold, part of the Canadian Group of Companies “Eldorado Gold Corporation”, with 100% success rate.
  • Advised ELAIS – Unilever Hellas S.A., part of the Unilever Group, one of the leading multinational companies selling consumer goods.
  • Advised Fraport Greece, which operates 14 Greek airports, and represented top executives of the company with 100% success rate.

POTAMITISVEKRIS

Leveraging vast knowledge of both civil and criminal law proceedings, the practice at POTAMITISVEKRIS is highly regarded for handling tax offenses and AML control proceedings on behalf of domestic and international clients. The team draws upon the firm’s broad experience in the employment, tax, and banking fields, combining it with the expertise across antitrust and capital markets. In Athens, Konstantinos Papadiamantis heads the group, being an expert in representing leading individuals, executives of Banks, and major multinationals on the criminal aspects of various regulated activities. Since joining the firm in April 2023, Natalia Chrisagi focuses on market manipulation and smuggling matters.

Practice head(s):

Konstantinos Papadiamantis


Other key lawyers:

Natalia Chrisagi


Testimonials

‘PotamitiS Vekris is an outstanding legal entity. It covers a large spectrum of subjects. There is a very personal and efficient approach to the client. All lawyers are very knowledgeable in their field. The services offered in my case regarding the NGO are pro bono. Even though there is no billing, the way all cases are treated is excellent.’

‘All individuals have a high education, there is a very professional approach to the problem. Partners are aware of the case and very helpful between them and towards the client. Stathis Potamitis Xenophon Paparrigopoulos Constantine Papadiamantis Natalia Chrysagi Alexios Papastavrou Despina Harakopoulou.’

‘Team of professional lawyers, who have a deep knowledge of white-collar criminal law, as well as the practices followed by criminal courts in Greece and they are able to guide and advise us on the difficulties of the issues we are facing.’

Key clients

Andreas Georgiou


NGO Ark of the World


Alpha Bank


Folli Follie


Fais Group


PQH


Dimitris Varangis


Media Cube SA


Hellenic Financial Stability Fund


Georgios Samios


Demis Nikolaidis


Loukas Valetopoulos


Nexi Greece Single Member SA


G. Filippeos


Work highlights


  • Representing Folli Follie, an international fashion company  under its current management appointed by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, as claimant, against FF’s founders in pending criminal proceedings for breach of trust.
  • Representing a football star and former CEO of a major Greek football team in legal proceedings against him for breach of trust.

Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm

Advising clients before the investigation authorities and courts in relation to cases involving money laundering, bribery, and tax evasion, Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm is renowned for its shipping, banking, and insurance expertise. John Kyriakides, Panos Alexandris, and Niki Orfanidou co-head the practice, providing extensive experience of dealing with financial crime, criminal law, and money laundering issues. Senior associates John Broupis and Alexia Giagini are noted for their knowledge on extradition cases and civil procedure law matters. The whole team is based in Athens.

Other key lawyers:

John Broupis; Alexia Giagini


Work highlights


A. & K. Metaxopoulos & Partners Law Firm

Demonstrating substantial strength in defending companies and top executives in cases linked to corporate frauds, financial crime, and civil law litigation, A. & K. Metaxopoulos & Partners Law Firm has a team of white-collar crime specialists. Operating out of Athens, Kriton Metaxopoulos is a highly experienced practitioner, primarily focusing on litigation and arbitration, Asterios Syssilas specialises in copyright and advertising law, and associate Achilleas Christodoulou is knowledgeable on tax and bankruptcy proceeding.

Practice head(s):

Kriton Metaxopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Asterios Syssilas; Achilleas Christodoulou


Key clients

Adidas Hellas


Astir Palace Vouliagmenis S.A.


Mkb Bank Nyrt


Victory Entertainment


Work highlights


  • Represents the owner of one of the most famous and prestigious luxury Hotels in Greece, in litigation against former management. The case concerns serious misconduct and breach of managers’ duties and two corporate actions have already been filed in this respect.
  • Advises a big Hungarian bank in a civil lawsuit for an alleged cyber-“man in the middle”-fraud, filed by a Greek company who exports chemical products against our client.
  • Defended a client, a well-known businessman in the field of marine insurance, in a lawsuit filed by a ship-owner for participating in alleged embezzlement of company profits.

Bernitsas Law

Led by the Athens-based duo of Panayotis Bernitsas and Christos Paraskevopoulos, the Bernitsas Law team specialises in financial and corporate crime matters, with a growing focus on AML compliance measures. Bernitsas has more than 35 years’ experience in the transactional, advisory, and litigious spheres, whilst Paraskevopoulos is an expert in fraud and white-collar crime disputes. Evangelos Mamalakis focuses on joint venture and M&A, and Pelina Leontiadou has expertise in corporate governance matters.

Practice head(s):

Panayotis Bernitsas; Christos Paraskevopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Evangelos Mamalakis; Pelina Leontiadou; Fotini Karra


Testimonials

‘The legal advisors of Bernitsas Law Office have handled white-collar crime cases with a high degree of professionalism and expertise. Moreover, they are characterised by excellent communication skills and they consistently achieve a high level of collaboration with us as a client, throughout the whole legal process.’

‘Christos Paraskevopoulos, the legal advisor of Bernitsas Law Office who handles the White-Collar legal cases on our behalf, has exceptional knowledge of the legal framework of our industry, handling respective cases very successfully. Moreover, he and his team are always available, cooperating with us in a highly professional and collaborative way.’

‘Lawyer availability even with short notice’

‘Availability, capability to answer and provide support within the term.’

 

Key clients

AMPNI


Kosmocar SA


Work highlights


  • Representing a global industrial minerals company in relation to disputes for mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duties against the former CEO.
  • Advising a company active in the energy sector in relation to potential disputes arising from actions member of their former management, including potential breaches of their fiduciary duties and white-collar crimes.
  • Representing a commercial banking and wealth management services provider in a high-profile white collar crime, fraud and forgery dispute.

Machas & Partners Law Firm

Representing both corporate and private clients, the criminal law team at Machas & Partners Law Firm has expertise in fraud and embezzlement claims. Petros Machas and Alexandros Androutsopoulos co-head the department, bringing in-depth insight into fraud perpetrated against the Greek State as well as corporate cross-border matters. Associate Dimitrios Zanganas is an expert in criminal law, specifically in cases involving white-collar crime.

Other key lawyers:

Dimitrios Zanganas


Key clients

Pafsanias Papanikolaou & Ioannis Farfarellis


SCIENS INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS & HOLDINGS SA


ESTIA GROUP


ESTIA GROUP


Beker Trading Limited & Beker Ltd.


ΟΚΑΑ S.A. – Central Market and Fishery Organization


EUROFRIGO INTERNATIONAL


RETAIL WORLD


Work highlights


  • Representing the civil claimant with respect to the felony of breach of trust by the officials of OKAA S.A. causing damage to the Organization in the amount of €518,402.00.
  • Defending the former Marketing Director of the Hellenic Football Federation against allegations concerning the felony of a breach of trust involving an amount exceeding the total value of €120.000 and relating to a contract for the provision of travel services.
  • Filing a criminal complaint and representing the civil claimant (legal representative of EUROFRIGO INTERNATIONAL), concerning the felonies of usury, extortion, money laundering and directing a criminal organisation.

OVVADIAS S NAMIAS LAW FIRM

Being a boutique law firm specialising in financial criminal law, OVVADIAS S NAMIAS LAW FIRM is highly regarded for its contentious and consulting work. Operating out of Athens, Ovvadias Namias leads the practice, advising domestic and international clients in criminal cases of fraud and tax evasion, whilst Vassilios Petropoulos is an expert in capital markets law. Senior associate Ilias Spyropoulos focuses on breach of trust and extradition matters.

Practice head(s):

Ovvadias Namias


Other key lawyers:

Vassilios Petropoulos; Ilias Spyropoulos


 


Testimonials

‘Excellent firm with vast experience in financial crime matters on behalf of companies and individuals. Experienced in cross-border matters. Sophisticated offering.’

‘Ovis Namias is hugely experienced and knowledgeable. Very intelligent and a pleasure to work with.’

‘They are solutions-oriented and willing to take the challenge and cope with complicated legal issues.’

‘Our collaboration with Namias has always been great.’

‘Expertise, Market knowledge and professionalism.’

‘The firm has very robust expertise in their field.’

‘Ovadias Namias is one of the leading criminal law practitioners in the Greek market.’

‘Responsiveness, availability, excellent legal knowledge.’

Key clients

Servier Monde


Johnson & Johnson


Hellenic Train


ATLAS GmbH


Hive Energy UK


Alpha Bank


GEK Terna


Fosun Group


Olympia Odos S.A.


Olympia Group S.A.


ERGO Insurance S.A.


SFS S.A.


Blue House Group


Work highlights


  • Advised a former employee of J&J on fraud and money laundering against the Greek State.
     
  • Consulting and legal representation of a Company towards the Greek justice authority on the matter of the accident (train crash) in Tempi on February 28th, 2023, where more than 50 people travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki died in a train crash.
  • Conducting an internal investigation on behalf of the Company and lodging a criminal complaint against a former employee for the allegations of embezzlement and money laundering.

Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm

With forty years of experience in the white-collar space, the Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm specialises in business and financial fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering matters. Piraeus-based Ioannis Iriotis heads up the practice, bringing vast expertise in maritime financial crime and fraud cases including those in contravention of EU law.


Practice head(s):

Ioannis Th. Iriotis


Testimonials

‘Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm is one of the best law firms for white collar crimes in Greece. They handle every case with professionalism and diligence, ensuring the best possible outcome for their clients. We deeply appreciate their expertise and depth of knowledge in criminal law cases especially in financial criminal ones. Unlike other law firms we have cooperated with in the past, they create a true sense of security, fully understanding their clients’ needs.’

‘Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm stands out for its expertise in complex financial criminal law cases, providing excellent legal services. We deeply appreciate their professionalism, availability, commitment and extensive knowledge on criminal law and criminal procedure. Our cooperation with the Firm throughout the years has been impeccable, providing us with spot on legal advice and litigation services, on reasonable billing. They are extremely capable in handling our cases, always having as their main objective the best protection of our interests. It is a firm one can definitely count on.’

‘Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm team of criminal lawyers is high competent, characterized by utmost dedication and professionalism. The team’s success is greatly due to Mr. Ioannis Iriotis, one of the most well renowned criminal lawyers in Greece. His long standing experience, insight and deep knowledge of criminal law allow him to draw the strategy needed in every case, ensuring the best possible outcome for his clients.’

‘Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm differs from other law firms in its unmatched expertise and depth of knowledge on white collar crimes. Actually, the Firm is dedicated exclusively to Criminal Law, allowing it to offer a deep understanding of even the most complex criminal law cases. We are extremely satisfied with our cooperation with Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm as throughout the years we have always received top level services that has proven beneficial for our company.’

‘Apart from its extensive knowledge on criminal law, the Firm’s team stands out for its dedication, great availability, very professional approach and personal treatment of clients. It is well organized, extremely capable in handling our cases promptly and effectively and always advising us to the point on how to solve any issue. It also has to be noted that Mr. Iriotis’ continuous involvement and his personalized attention ensures the best possible outcome on each case.’

‘Ιoannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm is highly specialized in financial crime litigation. Their expertise and deep understanding of criminal law both on national and supranational level is incomparable, setting them apart from other law firms. Moreover, when required, they opt for an interdisciplinary approach collaborating with experts of other fields of law, in order to ensure the best outcome for each case. During our long cooperation, they have maintained the same level of high quality services and dedication, successfully handling our cases and protecting our best interests.’

‘Ioannis Iriotis: Thorough knowledge of criminal marine law and astute commercial sense.
Arvanitis: Very good litigator and very efficient manager of the cases.’

‘We have been working closely with the lawyers of Ioannis Th. Iriotis Law Firm. They are highly effective; they show passion about their work and perform extremely well under the pressure that a criminal procedure might have. Their presence before every judicial authority and the Courts is exemplary and they are well respected in their sector. Above all, under the constant guidance of Mr. Ioannis Th. Iriotis, they manage to establish fully reliable human and professional bonds with the Firm’s clients, unlike other law.’

Key clients

European Product Carriers Ltd


Hellagro S.A.


Merman Maritime Co.


Motor Oil


EDF Renewables Hellas


Hellenic Halivourgia


Allseas Marine


Pima SA


Overseas Maritime Hellas LTD


General Shipping SA


Ancora Shipping


Moore Stephens SA


Creta Farm S.A.


Axis Bulk Carriers


Work highlights