Arrest warrants issued for HBF president Vangelis Liolios and five others

Arrest warrants were issued on October 21, 2026, for the president of the Hellenic Basketball Federation, Vangelis Liolios, and five other people as part of a probe into serious sporting offences that has shaken Greek basketball.

Investigators target match‑fixing and illegal betting

The investigation, which lasted roughly three months, focuses on suspected match‑fixing and illegal betting on basketball games in Greece. Authorities say the file escalated to criminal proceedings after a careful review of collected evidence and witness statements.

Liolios, who has headed the Hellenic Basketball Federation (HBF) since September 2021, was named among the principal figures under scrutiny. Alongside him, five other individuals tied to officiating and the sport’s administration were targeted; the group reportedly includes two active referees.

According to the police measures, the suspects were summoned during the inquiry but failed to appear. The case was then transferred to an investigating magistrate who, with the prosecutor’s approval, ordered arrest warrants on the grounds that the suspects posed a flight risk.

As part of the operation, law enforcement officers carried out searches at the homes of the individuals involved. The investigation remains active and further procedural steps are expected as authorities continue to gather and examine evidence.

The development represents a major legal escalation in Greek basketball and could have significant ramifications for the sport’s governance in the country.

Photo: press material from the event