If there was anyone left who thought Greece was not in terrible shape, he obviously hasn't heard of the shepherd who the government claims owes them 10.8 million euros ($14.2 million).

In an attempt to clamp down on tax evasion and stave off bankruptcy, the Greek government published a list of some 4,000 citizens last month who collectively owe 30 billion euros ($39.4 billion).

While most of them are businessmen and high-profile celebrities (for example, Nikos Kassimatis), they have an unusual companion in Parasiris Stelios, a 65-year-old shepherd from Crete, AFP reports.

The Ministry of Finance says Stelios and his accomplices claimed 30 million drachmas (88,000 euros, $116,000) in tax returns through fake invoices in 1995, the Greek newspaper Ethnos reports. The rest of the amount owed is a combination of fines, penalties, and other interests.

For his part, Stelios is trying to convince authorities that all he owns is fifty sheep, and not much money. He also claims that he has already paid back thrice the amount he embezzled.

"Where do I find the money to pay 11 million euros... No, the 50 sheep I have are not enough, even if I have to sell the entire property of the family in Crete and outside Crete, it is still not enough! "

Stelios also had some choice words for the struggling Greek government: "If everyone on the list is as poor as me, I do not see much of future for this country."