Greece may have set a new standard for itself in prosecuting and punishing individuals responsible for the type of public corruption that brought the country to the brink of collapse. An embezzlement scheme by a mayor and two of his aides has resulted in life sentences.

The conspirators embezzled approximately $23.5 million between 1999 and 2010, with the tactic approval of the Mayor who, according to court documents, was aware of the crimes but feigned ignorance.

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