The NGO “Paidiki Chara” has reportedly raised approximately 4 million euros since 2018 through fundraising campaigns for children with serious illnesses, yet only around 1 million ultimately reached the families, according to the Hellenic Police press spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou. Six people have been arrested and, from today, Tuesday 3 November, until Thursday, they will appear before the investigating magistrate to face criminal charges, including forming a criminal organisation.
The case concerns Northern Greece, but the organisation’s fundraising appeals were circulating throughout the country via Facebook and Instagram – the very platforms where we, too, see posts every day featuring photographs of sick children and bank account details. That is why it is worth knowing what you are checking before you click ‘transfer’.
What the case file reveals
According to the findings of the police investigation, 92 fundraising activities were recorded for 74 beneficiaries, all of which were carried out without the licences required by law. The organisation was not even registered in the relevant register. Deposits totalling over €5.8 million were found in its accounts, whilst over €4.5 million is alleged to have been credited to the accounts of its 37-year-old chairman. Two banks closed three of these accounts because she was unable to account for the source of the funds.
The cases described are harrowing. Over 136,000 euros were raised for a child with leukaemia who died in 2021, and the family is said to have been given 7,000. For a 14-year-old who died this year, €340,421 was raised, of which €55,800 was received. The family of a 15-year-old with a serious neurological condition received nothing from the €73,200 raised, with the organisation citing ‘banking obstacles’. At the same time, Hellenic Police records show bookings for hotel suites costing 487 euros per night, with enquiries as to whether payment could be made in cash. All the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts.
What to check before handing over
Is there a fundraising licence? Since 1931, Law 5101 has prohibited any fundraising without a licence. The permit is issued by the Regional Authority, via the Regional Unit where the fundraising is taking place. In our case, the competent authority is the Regional Unit of Eastern Attica. Anyone conducting a collection must show you the permit when you ask for it. If they refuse or give a vague answer, that in itself is a refusal.
In whose name is the account held? The safest account is one held in the name of the patient themselves or their parent. If the IBAN belongs to a third party, a ‘representative’ or an organisation that you cannot find anywhere, ask why.
Is there an organisation with a name and address? An association has a constitution, a tax registration number and a registered office. A Facebook page with touching photographs is not an organisation.
Does the family speak for itself? If you know the family or someone in their circle, ask them directly. Many parents involved in the ‘Pediatric Playground’ case had asked for the fundraising to stop, yet the organisation continued to collect donations.
Pressure and urgency. Countdowns, ‘today only’ offers, and references to well-known figures who have ‘already donated’ are the usual tactics. In this particular case, donations from well-known artists and sportspeople were highlighted precisely to build credibility.
Where can you make a complaint?
If you come across a fundraising campaign that seems suspicious, you can report it to the Cybercrime Division (tel. 11188, ccu@cybercrimeunit.gov.gr) or to your nearest police station. Take screenshots of the post and the account before they are deleted.
If you would like to help a family in our local area, the surest way is to get in touch directly: the family themselves, the parish, the school’s parents’ association or the local council’s Social Services department, which is aware of the families in need.
Source: Hellenic Police, statements by a press spokesperson; case file as published by in.gr and ERT, 2 November 2026; Attica Region, ‘Granting of a fundraising licence’ service; Law 5101/1931.
