Police in Crete on Thursday detained five people, including the chief forensic pathologists for Hania and Iraklio, as part of a corruption investigation into the alleged manipulation of forensic reports in exchange for bribes.
Police said the operation was ongoing, with investigators examining additional suspects. Those detained also include a toxicologist who heads a forensic department and serves as a university professor, as well as at least one lawyer who allegedly handled criminal cases in which forensic reports were suspected of being altered.
According to sources, the suspects are accused of accepting payments to falsify forensic examinations to secure more favorable treatment for defendants in criminal cases. The case file reportedly includes allegations of bribery, corruption, extortion and other serious felony offenses.
The investigation, which authorities said had been conducted over an extended period, focuses on numerous criminal cases that have attracted public attention in Crete in recent years. Investigators are also examining complaints from people who say they were defrauded by the alleged network.
The Hania forensic pathologist had previously been suspended over delays in issuing forensic reports but returned to duty after being acquitted earlier this year.
