Greek, German prosecutors join forces in bribery probe

Greek and German prosecutors have joined forces to investigate bribery charges connected to the purchase of submarine equipment during the tenure of former Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, a Socialist who succeeded the now-convicted Akis Tsochatzopoulos, Kathimerini understands.

Rheinmetall Defense Electronics and Atlas Elektronik, already being probed by German authorities following a tax audit in 2012, are suspected of paying some 18 million euros in bribes to Greek officials.

Greek prosecutors, reportedly in contact with their German counterparts, are seeking access to specific bank accounts in a bid to trace the recipients of the illegal kickbacks.