Greek Seismologist Criticizes Authorities Over Illegal Building and Corruption on Santorini

Prominent Greek seismologist Akis Tselentis has sharply criticized those responsible for illegal construction around Santorini’s caldera. Tselentis, who recently resigned from Greece’s earthquake risk assessment board, citing political interference in scientific matters, voiced his concerns on social media as the island continues to experience seismic activity for the second consecutive week.

In his statement, Tselentis condemned developers for “recklessly excavating the unstable Theraic ground in restricted areas,” referring to the steep cliffs surrounding Thira, Santorini’s capital. He also accused local authorities of ignoring widespread unauthorized construction and claimed that a “code of silence” protects contractors profiting from these illegal expansions.

Authorities Turn a Blind Eye to Dangerous Construction

Tselentis painted a grim picture of unregulated development in one of Greece’s most earthquake-prone regions:

“Illegal construction is happening blatantly—perhaps even with the authorities’ tacit approval—while they pretend to look the other way. The island’s unique landscape conceals violations, and meanwhile, an ‘omertà’ [code of silence] exists among developers benefiting from these unlawful projects.”

A photo shared with his post allegedly reveals extensive underground excavations in Santorini’s Caldera, with abandoned construction equipment left on-site, despite ongoing seismic activity.

According to Tselentis, labor costs for these illegal projects are double the standard rates, while concrete prices soar to 600-700 euros per cubic meter, compared to the usual 400 euros for legal construction.

Ignoring Risks for Profit

Tselentis warned that this reckless pursuit of profit disregards the dangers of building in a region marked by two active volcanoes and a nearby seismic fault—responsible for a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake and a 25-meter tsunami in 1956.

He also claimed that urban planning officials, when questioned, justified their lack of action by citing seismic risks, arguing that inspections were impossible due to continuous tremors.

“Who are you trying to fool?” Tselentis demanded. “This lawlessness began long before the recent seismic activity! How long will this impunity continue? And what is the municipality doing—actively enabling this corruption?”