Break-in reported amid Halkidiki urban planning corruption probe

Authorities are investigating a break-in at the Sithonia Municipality Urban Planning Office in the northern region of Halkidiki, discovered Thursday after officials reported a forced entry.

Police have sealed off the area, and the case is being handled by the Polygyros Crime Investigation Unit.

The burglary comes amid a corruption scandal involving urban planning officials across Halkidiki. Prosecutors have frozen assets, bank accounts and safety deposit boxes linked to key suspects in the case. Five to six deposit boxes are under scrutiny to uncover any co-owners or suspicious activity.

Authorities revealed officials used coded language such as "eggs" and "geese" to disguise bribes, which ranged from 2,000 euros to €20,000. The bribes allegedly facilitated illegal construction permits and administrative approvals.

Sithonia Mayor Ioannis Mallinis has...