AADE has placed the "low flights" of helicopters in the Greek islands under scrutiny, uncovering tax violations exceeding EUR 300,000 at one company under investigation.
Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has launched an investigation into helicopter companies operating in the Greek islands over suspected tax evasion, following reports of helicopters landing at unauthorised locations.
Auditors from AADE’s Directorate for Special Operations and Audits (DEOS) carried out extensive checks into the ownership and operation of the aircraft concerned, as well as the fulfilment of the tax obligations of the companies operating them.
As part of the investigation, data from the Civil Aviation Authority was assessed, while administrative assistance was also requested from an EU country to obtain additional information.
The investigation found that a helicopter registered in Greece, which recently landed on an island in the Cyclades, is owned by a Cypriot company. Its reported lessee in Greece is a non-profit association, while another company operates the helicopter. The latter is engaged in air transport and pilot training and is based at an airport in Attica.
DEOS auditors carried out extensive cross-checks using data from AADE databases and digital systems. These checks revealed a discrepancy between the helicopter’s actual use – leasing to third parties – and the issuance of the corresponding revenue tax documents.
Tax violations exceeding EUR 300,000 were identified.
In addition, the amount of tax evasion and penalties resulting from the use of the helicopter for profit-making purposes is being investigated.
At the same time, auditors are investigating the landing of an Austrian-registered helicopter on an island in the Argosaronic Gulf. The helicopter is owned by an Austrian company and operated by a legal entity based in a region of Attica.
The audit is focused on determining the actual nature of the transactions and services provided, the financial relationships between the parties involved, and compliance with the applicable tax obligations.
For August alone, the company in question had already concealed EUR 25,000 in VAT.
Available data is being cross-checked, and the transactional and contractual relationships between the legal entities and individuals involved in Greece and abroad are being assessed as the investigation continues.
This announcement was made on 4 September 2026.
