SecNews has received EXCLUSIVE information that it is transmitting with all reservations , regarding an illegal animal adoption ring that has spread its tentacles almost throughout Greece! More specifically, the Greek Anonymous, discovered the existence of the ring several weeks ago and have launched a major investigation into it through their Facebook page !
The editorial team of SecNews confirmed the relevant information, which it is bringing to the attention of the competent law enforcement authorities and animal welfare organizations for further investigation of the matter.
The complaint
So, according to the information transmitted by the Greek Anonymous and which we confirmed through their Facebook page, about 2 months ago they received a complaint from a specific person who was looking for her dog. The lady claimed that she found the dog on the street, picked it up and having some connection with animal welfare circles, asked some people to host it until a family was found since the lady could not keep it. Indeed, a lady offered to keep it. After a week and without anyone informing her, she saw a post on Facebook that said that this particular dog had been adopted in Germany. In her attempt to find out who adopted the dog and through what process, they answered her with half-truths and that they could not tell her due to personal data
The Anonymous investigation
As supporters and investigators of the complaints they receive, the Greek Anonymous began to discreetly investigate the issue. This is how they discovered that 20(!) pets!!! In fact, the specific ladies who were mentioned in the complaint were looking for companions for the animals via Facebook (!) because if they went unaccompanied, the questions would start, while if they appeared as the owner of the pet, the control was non-existent! Anonymous, report on their page that they have identified deposit accounts with thousands of euros at a time when some of them declare domestic work as their profession!!!
Furthermore, after the start of the investigation and the announcement on their #OpGreece Facebook page, there were additional complaints about an employee of a company with German interests directly connected to the transportation of pets, who charges 200 euros for each animal he hosts until it leaves Greece! Furthermore, a similar case occurred with a lady in Florina, who informed Anonymous in a message that the ring had taken and sent her pet to Germany without her knowledge!
What are Anonymous asking for?
The Greek Anonymous believes that the evidence is sufficient for the authorities to begin a deep investigation into the issue and the legal framework that animal welfare organizations are operating in, mainly in the matter of exporting pets abroad! They have even contacted many animal welfare organizations and associations, who in turn stated the same thing, namely that it is very difficult to adopt pets abroad, a process that often takes up to a year! In communication that the Greek Anonymous had with the victims of the ring, they stated that they are willing to provide the prosecutor with any evidence they have and to testify if called upon!
The questions that arise
SecNews believes that the issue has a "tail" with regard to approaching individuals via Facebook to send pets for a fee to foreign countries, mainly to Germany, as well as with regard to the legalization of proceeds from illegal activity.
The 4 questions that require immediate answers are:
1. Is there a personal data law that covers pet adoptions and if so, what is it?
2. For every adoption there is an agreement that the new owner signs. In the case of adoption abroad, the agreement must be sent translated to the new owner to sign and return. What sample signature is used to verify and identify the new owner?
3. Why do Germans NOT adopt from their own kennels but prefer to receive animals from Greece? Is it because the procedures there are more controlled and do not allow the illegal acquisition of a pet?
4. How are pet “transporters” identified via Facebook and under what type of employment relationship do they receive the monetary price for their “service”? How are these amounts declared to the Greek tax authorities?
We believe that IF THE COMPLAINTS are substantiated, they should be subject to an IMMEDIATE investigation by the competent authorities.
Anyone interested can contact Greek Anonymous directly [here]
We thank Anonymous #OpGreece for highlighting the issue and providing timely and accurate information!
