Greek authorities have successfully dismantled a criminal network in Athens accused of exploiting migrant health care identification numbers for illegal distribution of psychiatric medications and other prescription drugs. The operation led to the arrest of six individuals, including two pharmacists, a doctor, an accountant, and two alleged associates. Additionally, authorities are seeking another 10 suspects, comprising doctors and pharmacists, for further questioning.
The criminal group allegedly utilized social security numbers of foreign nationals without their consent to issue over a thousand fraudulent prescriptions. These prescriptions were used to supply medications, including psychiatric drugs, to drug users through eight pharmacies in Athens believed to be connected to the illicit operation.
One of the arrested individuals, an accountant, is accused of setting up fictitious companies to collect personal information from foreign workers seeking employment in the country. The investigation uncovered 1,016 fraudulent prescriptions involving nearly 100,000 doses of various medications. Seized evidence included forged insurance and work-related stamps, a handgun, ammunition, various documents, and 29,250 euros ($30,750) in cash.
The suspects, currently in custody awaiting court appearances, are facing a range of charges. These include participation in a criminal organization, narcotics distribution, false certification, multiple counts of fraud, forgery, unauthorized data access, and violations of weapons and immigration laws.
