A 38-year-old woman who allegedly posed as a journalist and travel agent has been jailed following her arrest in central Athens.
Details of the woman’s identity were not released. Authorities say she defrauded more than 50 people out of at least €160,000 in a wide-reaching travel scam.
The suspect, whose name was not disclosed in accordance with Greek privacy laws, was taken into custody by the Financial Crimes Unit of the Hellenic Police under a warrant issued by an Athens investigating magistrate. She faces charges of aggravated fraud and money laundering.
Authorities allege the woman targeted victims between May 2024 and May 2025 by offering travel packages at unusually low prices.
She reportedly claimed to have access to exclusive deals through her purported work with a major TV station and connections to prominent journalists. None of the trips were ever arranged, despite victims paying full amounts for flights, hotels, and other travel costs.
To gain trust, she initially organized a handful of inexpensive winter getaways, only to vanish with clients’ money during peak holiday seasons like Easter and Christmas.
She allegedly used fake press credentials and claims of working with the Jerusalem Patriarchate to bolster her credibility.
“She took the money and disappeared,” said one victim who spoke to local media outlet iefimerida. The man lost €6,500 after trusting the woman to arrange a trip to the United States. “She promised to send the tickets ten days before departure. We never received anything.”
Investigators say the woman also approached individuals with offers of sports travel packages related to upcoming basketball tournaments abroad, further expanding the scam.
The Greek Police stated that her fraudulent activity generated proceeds exceeding €160,000, though the actual total may be higher as more victims come forward.
The case unfolds amid heightened political debate over consumer protection and law enforcement accountability.
The suspect has been remanded in custody pending further judicial proceedings.