Crypto & Digital Assets

Crypto & Digital Asset Crime Defense in Greece

Greece has only just begun licensing crypto firms under EU rules — making early legal guidance more valuable than ever in this fast-moving space.

Direct answer: Crypto activity in Greece is regulated by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) under the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), implemented domestically through Law 5193/2025. The HCMC authorises Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs), while the Bank of Greece separately supervises asset-referenced and e-money token issuers. Greece granted its first two CASP licences in July 2026. Allegations typically arise from unauthorised activity, AML failures, or a foreign extradition request tied to crypto fraud.
The Regulatory Landscape

How Greece Regulates Crypto-Asset Activity

01

HCMC Authorisation

The Hellenic Capital Market Commission authorises and supervises Crypto-Asset Service Providers under MiCA and Law 5193/2025.

02

Bank of Greece Oversight

Issuers of asset-referenced tokens and e-money tokens fall under separate prudential supervision by the Bank of Greece.

03

A Very New Regime

Greece granted its first two CASP licences only in July 2026, meaning enforcement practice is still developing in real time.

04

EU-Wide Passporting

A Greek CASP authorisation, once granted, permits passporting across the EU under the MiCA framework.

Where Allegations Typically Arise

Common Crypto Crime Scenarios

A

Unauthorised Activity

Operating as a CASP in or from Greece without HCMC authorisation carries real regulatory and potential criminal exposure.

B

AML Compliance Failures

Even authorised CASPs can face enforcement where anti-money-laundering controls are found deficient.

C

Cross-Border Fraud Allegations

Foreign authorities pursuing crypto fraud suspects located in Greece typically proceed through the EAW or standard extradition framework.

D

Unlicensed Foreign Platforms

Major international exchanges operating without Greek or EU authorisation have drawn regulatory warnings across the EU, including in neighbouring markets.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

Do I need HCMC authorisation to run a crypto business from Greece?

In most cases, yes \u2014 CASPs operating in or from Greece must be authorised by the HCMC under MiCA.

How new is this regulatory regime?

Very new \u2014 Greece's implementing law dates to April 2025, and the first licences were only granted in July 2026.

Can someone be extradited from Greece over a crypto fraud allegation?

Yes, following the same EAW or traditional extradition process as any other allegation.

Facing a Crypto-Related Investigation in Greece?

Speak with us confidentially before responding to the HCMC or a foreign regulator.