Criminal Law

Legal Services
Criminal Law

Criminal Law often encompasses a broad range of offenses connected to financial transactions, corporate activities, asset management, and tax obligations. At Piperakis-Kostopoulos, our experienced criminal lawyers specialize in handling cases pertaining to all stages of criminal proceedings, from the preliminary investigation and main inquiry through to trial before the competent courts. Our objective is to provide well-founded legal representation and effective protection of our clients’ rights (both defendants and civil claimants), with unwavering respect for the rule of law.

 

FRAUD

Fraud involves knowingly presenting false facts as true or unlawfully concealing or withholding true facts, i.e., deception aimed at obtaining illegal financial gain at the expense of others. It is one of the most prevalent offenses within the scope of Economic Criminal Law, as it arises in corporate environments, commercial agreements, or private transactions. The criminal lawyers at Piperakis-Kostopoulos undertake both the defense of the accused and the representation of victims, proposing individualized strategies according to the nature and extent of each case. A key goal is also to recover lost assets for the victims, a process that is both complex and time-consuming. Piperakis-Kostopoulos takes all necessary steps in that regard, aiming to restore the victims’ position.

Subcategories of Fraud:

  • Corporate Fraud: Illegal acts committed by executive officers and breach of fiduciary duty, harming shareholders, partners, or clients.
  • Financial Fraud: Use of deceptive financial instruments or contracts to achieve unlawful enrichment.
  • Cyber Fraud: Exploitation of electronic methods (phishing, hacking) to obtain financial gain.
  • Securities Fraud: Manipulation of financial product prices and distortion of investment data.
  • Healthcare Fraud: Fictitious medical services, overcharging of insurance providers.
  • Insurance Fraud: Creation or fabrication of damage incidents to receive unjustified compensation.
  • Public Procurement Fraud: Irregular practices in government tenders, false bids, etc.
  • Tax and Customs Fraud: Concealment of taxable assets, false statements, violation of customs regulations.
  • Insider Information & Market Manipulation: Using confidential information for unfair profit.

 

FORGERY

Forgery involves the alteration or creation of false documents (in printed or electronic form), aiming to deceive third parties and achieve unlawful gain. It frequently appears in the falsification of signatures, payment slips, or digital records in transactions tied to financial or administrative procedures. The criminal lawyers at Piperakis-Kostopoulos represent both defendants and victims, proposing individualized strategies according to the nature and scale of the case. A key objective is also the recovery of lost assets belonging to the victims, a process that is both complex and time-consuming.

 

EMBEZZLEMENT

Embezzlement is the unjustified appropriation of movable or other assets that have been lawfully entrusted to the perpetrator (e.g., by employers or clients). This phenomenon is frequently observed in corporate settings, where executives or employees abuse the trust placed in them. The criminal lawyers at Piperakis-Kostopoulos undertake both the defense of the accused and the representation of the victims, proposing individualized strategies in line with the nature and breadth of the case. A key objective is also the recovery of lost assets belonging to the victims, a process that is both complex and time-consuming. Piperakis-Kostopoulos ensures appropriate measures are taken for the restitution of the victims.

 

BREACH OF TRUST

Breach of trust arises when a party managing another’s assets causes harm through willful misconduct, in violation of legal or contractual fiduciary obligations. It frequently appears within corporate structures, banking arrangements, or partnerships that require a high degree of confidence. The criminal lawyers at Piperakis-Kostopoulos represent both defendants and victims, proposing tailored strategies based on the nature and extent of each case. A key consideration is also the recovery of lost assets for the victims, a process that is both complex and time-consuming. Piperakis-Kostopoulos takes all necessary steps in that regard to restore the victims’ position.

 

SMUGGLING

Smuggling refers to the illegal transport or trading of goods without paying the lawful duties and taxes. It is most commonly found in products subject to high taxation (e.g., tobacco, alcoholic beverages), though it may also arise in broader import-export activities. The criminal lawyers at Piperakis-Kostopoulos possess the requisite expertise to address complex customs inspections and administrative fines, offering targeted legal solutions for the defendant.

 

TAX OFFENSES – SOCIAL SECURITY FUND (EFKA)

Tax offenses and violations related to the EFKA (the national social security entity) involve misleading or incomplete declarations of income, duties, and social security contributions. Tax compliance is critical for any business and individual, since infringements of the law may trigger severe criminal and administrative penalties. At Piperakis-Kostopoulos, our criminal lawyers provide comprehensive guidance, assessing the particularities of each case.

Subcategories:

  • Debts to the State: Accumulation of liabilities that become criminally punishable after exceeding specified limits.
  • Tax Evasion: Concealment of income, deliberately incorrect filings, or falsified documents.
  • Fictitious Invoices: Recording false transactions to gain a tax advantage.
  • Non-Payment of VAT: Retaining Value Added Tax without the required remittance to the State.
  • Statement of Assets (Pothen Esches): Non-compliance with, or submission of false/incomplete asset declarations, potentially concealing the source of funds.
  • Outstanding Social Security Contributions: Failure to pay EFKA contributions on time or in full, attracting criminal and administrative consequences.

 

Piperakis – Kostopoulos Law Firm has the experience and expertise to advise you and protect you in advance or after the risk has occurred. The issues raised above fall within the scope of our skills, which is a guarantee of our proper handling of the matter you entrust to us.