The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has found an unexpected ally in the fight against tax evasion, smuggling, and corruption: the citizens themselves. Through the digital tool Appodixi and a dedicated online complaints platform, Greek citizens are becoming more engaged than ever in reporting irregularities.
Appodixi: Over 200,000 complaints filed in less than two years
Since its launch in September 2022, the Appodixi app has received 208,534 complaints, mostly related to fake or unreported receipts. Out of these:
- 112,855 are named reports
- 95,679 are anonymous
The higher number of named reports reflects the effectiveness of the monetary reward incentive: whistleblowers receive a payout equal to ten times the receipt’s value, capped at 3,000 euros, when the report is confirmed.
AADE’s online complaints platform: Nearly 59,000 reports since October 2023
Another frontline in the fight is the AADE’s dedicated platform, launched in October 2023. To date, it has processed:
- 51,252 complaints concerning tax violations
- 753 customs offenses, mainly smuggling cases
- 6,902 incidents of corruption
Combined with Appodixi, the total citizen reports exceed 267,000, a record-breaking figure in Greece.
Complaint evaluation: A new risk-rating system
To better leverage this flood of information, a three-member committee was formed at the Large Taxpayers’ Control Center (K.E.ME.F.) to score and prioritize each report.
Reports are ranked on a scale from 0 to 4:
- 0: No interest – archived
- 1: Minor interest
- 2: Important information requiring further investigation
- 3: Very important – triggers immediate audit
- 4: Critical – demands rapid intervention
This automated prioritization enables AADE to focus resources on the most serious cases, reducing delays and increasing enforcement efficiency.
George Pitsilis: “Citizens are not mere observers, but active watchdogs”
AADE Director George Pitsilis recently emphasized the shift this citizen participation brings:
“Trust in the tax enforcement system is essential. Named complaints help build a new culture of transparency and social responsibility.”
Why this matters: Civic participation is changing the rules
This mobilization is not just about technology; it reflects a cultural shift where tax compliance involves active protection against illegality, not just paying taxes.
The digital synergy of Appodixi + AADE turns citizens into integral parts of the enforcement mechanism, rewarding integrity and exposing wrongdoing wherever it occurs.
Source: pagenews.gr