White Collar Crime
Strategic defense and advisory services in financial crime, corporate investigations, regulatory enforcement and complex white collar matters.
Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office advises and represents individuals, executives, companies and foreign businesses facing allegations of financial misconduct, regulatory violations and criminal liability in Greece.
White collar cases frequently involve criminal investigations, regulatory proceedings, asset freezing measures, reputational concerns and cross-border enforcement issues. Effective representation requires a combination of criminal defense expertise, regulatory knowledge and strategic risk management.
Our Firm assists clients from the earliest stage of investigations through trial proceedings, appeals and parallel administrative or regulatory actions.
Key Areas of Practice
1. Financial Crime
Financial crime investigations often involve complex factual patterns, extensive documentary evidence and cooperation between multiple authorities.
We assist with:
- financial misconduct investigations;
- corporate fraud allegations;
- abuse of trust cases;
- misappropriation of assets;
- banking-related criminal proceedings;
- corporate governance disputes with criminal implications.
2. Fraud
Fraud allegations may arise in commercial disputes, investment projects, business transactions and international dealings.
We assist with:
- fraud investigations;
- aggravated fraud cases;
- investment fraud;
- online fraud;
- commercial fraud;
- criminal complaints and defense strategy.
3. Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Money laundering investigations can result in criminal prosecution, asset freezing and significant reputational consequences.
We assist with:
- money laundering investigations;
- AML compliance issues;
- suspicious transaction allegations;
- source of funds disputes;
- criminal defense in laundering cases;
- coordination with financial institutions.
4. Tax Offences
Tax-related criminal proceedings frequently arise following audits, financial investigations and regulatory inquiries.
We assist with:
- tax fraud allegations;
- VAT fraud investigations;
- tax evasion proceedings;
- criminal exposure arising from audits;
- defense before investigative authorities and courts.
5. Bribery & Corruption Offences
Allegations of bribery and corruption may involve both public and private sector actors and frequently attract domestic and international scrutiny.
We assist with:
- bribery investigations;
- corruption-related allegations;
- public procurement matters;
- abuse of office allegations;
- cross-border corruption issues;
- strategic defense and compliance advice.
6. Intellectual Property Crime
Criminal proceedings concerning intellectual property rights may involve counterfeit goods, trademark infringement and copyright violations.
We assist with:
- counterfeit product investigations;
- trademark infringement allegations;
- copyright-related criminal proceedings;
- customs seizures;
- regulatory enforcement actions;
- civil litigation.
7. Competition & Cartel Offences
Competition-related misconduct may trigger both administrative and criminal consequences.
We assist with:
- cartel investigations;
- anti-competitive conduct allegations;
- regulatory inquiries;
- dawn raids;
- interaction with competition authorities.
8. Market Abuse & Insider Trading
Market abuse investigations often involve securities regulators, financial authorities and criminal enforcement mechanisms.
We assist with:
- insider trading allegations;
- market manipulation investigations;
- securities-related criminal proceedings;
- regulatory defense strategies;
- interaction with supervisory authorities.
9. Whistleblower Assistance
Whistleblowers and individuals reporting misconduct often require legal protection and strategic guidance.
We assist with:
- whistleblower reporting mechanisms;
- retaliation issues;
- internal reporting procedures;
- protection under applicable legal frameworks;
- cross-border reporting concerns;
- FCPA assistance and coordination.
10. OLAF & EPPO Investigations
Investigations involving European institutions may expose individuals and companies to significant legal and financial risks.
We assist with:
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigations;
- OLAF investigations;
- EU subsidy and funding cases;
- fraud against the financial interests of the European Union;
- defense strategy in cross-border investigations.
11. Freezing of Assets & Financial Restrictions
Asset freezing measures can severely affect individuals and businesses before any final judicial determination.
We assist with:
- freezing of bank accounts;
- seizure of assets;
- precautionary measures;
- challenges to freezing orders;
- strategic asset protection.
12. Corporate Criminal Liability
Businesses may face significant exposure arising from the conduct of directors, employees or third parties acting on their behalf.
We assist with:
- corporate criminal exposure assessments;
- defense of executives and directors;
- internal reporting issues;
- regulatory investigations;
- risk mitigation strategies.
13. Internal Investigations
Internal investigations are often necessary following allegations of misconduct, fraud or regulatory violations.
We assist with:
- internal investigations;
- witness interviews;
- evidence assessment;
- reporting and remediation measures;
- interaction with authorities.
14. Compliance & Risk Management
Preventive compliance measures are often the most effective way to reduce criminal and regulatory exposure.
We assist with:
- anti-corruption compliance;
- AML compliance;
- internal reporting systems;
- risk assessments;
- compliance program design;
- training and policy development.
Why Choose Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates
White collar matters frequently involve the intersection of criminal law, regulatory enforcement, corporate governance and international cooperation.
Our approach combines:
- criminal defense expertise;
- strategic risk assessment;
- experience in complex investigations;
- understanding of regulatory frameworks;
- cross-border coordination with foreign lawyers and professionals;
- discreet and business-oriented representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
White collar crime generally refers to financial, corporate and regulatory offences committed in a business or professional context.
While criminal liability is traditionally personal, companies may face significant administrative, regulatory and financial consequences arising from criminal conduct.
Early legal assessment is critical. Internal investigations, document preservation and strategic planning should often be considered immediately.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, authorities may impose freezing measures during investigations.
An internal investigation is a structured inquiry conducted by a company to assess allegations of misconduct, fraud, corruption or regulatory breaches.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigates and prosecutes offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union.
OLAF is the European Anti-Fraud Office responsible for investigating fraud and irregularities affecting EU financial interests.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable legal framework, whistleblowers may benefit from specific legal protections.
Yes. The Firm regularly cooperates with foreign lawyers, in-house legal departments, compliance professionals and international investigative teams.
Yes. We assist businesses with preventive compliance measures designed to reduce criminal and regulatory risks.
Facing a Financial Crime Investigation or Regulatory Inquiry?
Whether you are an individual, executive or business facing allegations of financial misconduct, regulatory enforcement or asset freezing measures, early legal intervention is often critical. Contact Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office for confidential advice and strategic representation.