Corruption probe launched in 2002 sale of Hellenic Shipyards

Corruption prosecutors have launched a probe into the sale of Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramangas, western Attica, to a German consortium in 2002, even though the statute of limitations has expired and no politician can be held accountable unless money is found to have illegally changed hands.

The probe is based on findings made by two magistrates in charge of investigating defense procurements, which suggest that the Greek state suffered losses of 53 million euros in the sale to Germany’s HDW and Ferrostaal. They also indicate that the tender did not adhere to European competition regulations.

Their file has been forwarded to corruption prosecutor Eleni Raikou, whose job will be to investigate the magistrates’ claims and also whether any politicians were responsible for the state’s losses.