Greece is the world's leading shipowning nation, and the area around Piraeus remains one of the great centres of global shipping. Where there is that much tonnage, money and commercial pressure, there are also disputes, fraud and leaks of sensitive information. Maritime matters with a Greek dimension call for an investigator who understands the sector and knows how to work discreetly in its close-knit community.
The office of Petros Drolias, licensed private investigator in Athens since the early 1990s, has handled more than 1,500 cases in 14 countries. We act for shipowners, ship managers, charterers, P&I correspondents, hull and cargo insurers and the maritime lawyers who represent them.
Maritime matters we investigate
Cargo discrepancies and theft. Shortages, contamination, substitution and theft of cargo or bunkers, where the facts ashore need to be established. We trace the people and companies involved, document storage and transfer points and gather witness accounts.
Chartering and sale disputes. Counterparties that turn out to be shell companies, brokers who disappear, payments that never arrive. We verify corporate details and actual operations, locate parties and identify assets that appear in public records.
Ship supply and procurement irregularities. Inflated invoices, phantom supplies, kickbacks between suppliers and onboard or office staff. We work alongside your auditors to establish the facts and the links between the people involved.
Crew-related incidents. Injuries, disputes and allegations involving crew members, where witnesses may have signed off and scattered across several countries. We trace and approach witnesses lawfully and document circumstances ashore.
Information leaks. Freight rates, charter terms and sale and purchase negotiations are highly sensitive. When competitors seem to know too much, we trace the leak and sweep offices and devices for surveillance equipment.
Background checks. On prospective partners, agents, suppliers, senior hires and counterparties, in Greece and, through our collaborators, abroad.
Why local knowledge matters
Greek shipping is a world where reputations travel fast and where much business is still done on personal trust. A clumsy investigation can damage a client's relationships across the market. We work quietly, ask the right questions of the right people and keep the client's name out of the picture.
Proximity also matters. Many maritime cases require someone on the ground quickly, in Piraeus, Perama, Elefsina, other Greek ports or at a company's offices in the southern suburbs of Athens. Our Athens office is close to all of them, and we are available 24/7.
Working with your other advisers
Maritime cases usually involve several professionals at once: surveyors, agents, P&I correspondents, auditors and lawyers in more than one jurisdiction. We fit into that team rather than duplicating it, agreeing at the outset who does what and reporting to the person you designate.
Lawful methods
Maritime disputes are often decided in arbitration or before courts in several jurisdictions, and the way evidence was obtained will be scrutinised. Under Article 19(3) of the Greek Constitution illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible, Article 370A of the Penal Code criminalises illegal interception and recording, and the GDPR and Law 4624/2019 govern personal data, including that of seafarers. We never intercept communications, access devices or accounts without authority, or obtain bank, telecom or police data. Our findings are built to withstand challenge.
Reports for owners, clubs and counsel
You receive a structured written report in English with a summary, a chronology, the methods used, sources and supporting material. It can be shared with your board, your P&I club, underwriters or your lawyers in London, Piraeus or elsewhere, and the investigator can give evidence if required.
Discuss a maritime matter
For a free, confidential consultation, call us 24/7 or write through our contact page. Read more about our presence in Piraeus or our wider work for businesses.