Greek authorities have launched an extensive summer crackdown on tax evasion and the illegal takeover of public beaches, deploying teams of inspectors armed with digital tools and preparing to use drones to monitor popular tourist destinations.
The nationwide operation targets thousands of seasonal businesses, from hotels and restaurants to beach bars, in an effort to curb the widespread lawlessness that has plagued Greek resorts in previous years.
The move comes in response to thousands of citizen complaints, many filed through a new government app called "MyCoast," which allows users to instantly report businesses that block public access to the sea or illegally occupy the shoreline with unlicensed sunbeds and umbrellas.
In a significant shift, tax inspectors are now equipped with tablets that provide real-time access to a business’s tax profile, allowing them to instantly cross-check receipts and identify potential income concealment on the spot.
Starting in August, surveillance drones will be added to the arsenal, conducting aerial checks in hotspots like Mykonos, Paros, and Halkidiki.
Authorities are also using new powers to pre-collect taxes from businesses deemed high-risk for evasion, a measure aimed at preventing operators from disappearing at the end of the season without paying their dues.
Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to €60,000, the immediate removal of illegal structures, and temporary closure of their businesses.
The government has emphasized that the goal is to protect Greece’s public spaces and ensure all businesses operate on a level playing field.