As the country’s finances reach a critical point, tax authorities have started seizing the deposits of small debtors, Kathimerini understands.

No figures were available regarding the new crackdown but cases of debtors targeted included a citizen with a debt of just 200 euros, Kathimerini understands.

The bank account of the man in question was frozen and then reopened once it was established that he had paid his dues. In several cases, including that of a citizen with a debt of 24,000 euros, bailiffs are said to have used threats to secure the cash. The initiative comes as efforts to crack down on rich Greeks with tax debts make slow progress.