A shocking money laundering scandal has engulfed the Catholic Church in Greece, with authorities alleging that millions of euros in church funds were illegally funneled into nightclubs.
The investigation, led by the Authority for Combating Money Laundering, has uncovered suspicious financial activity involving two priests and several nightclub owners.
An estimated €3 million was allegedly siphoned from church coffers and channeled into the hands of nightclub owners over an eight-year period.
Two priests, one based in Syros and the other in Crete, are under investigation for embezzlement, while several nightclub business owners are being scrutinized for money laundering.
Adding another layer to the scandal, one of the implicated businessmen, a nightclub owner in Patras, has a prior conviction for extortion involving an Orthodox metropolitan.
A female employee of a nightclub is also reportedly entangled in the investigation.
Disturbingly, a high-ranking figure within the Catholic Church of Greece is among those under scrutiny, raising concerns about the extent of the alleged scheme. The findings of the investigation have been submitted to the prosecutor in Syros, and the Vatican has been informed.
Haralambos Vourliotis, chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, has reportedly frozen the bank accounts and assets of the implicated nightclub owners.
The investigation was triggered by banks flagging suspicious financial activity, prompting authorities to conduct a comprehensive audit to trace the flow of money and identify those involved. A suspicious transfer of €50,000 was detected just days ago.
The Catholic Church in Greece has issued a statement denying any official knowledge of the alleged money laundering activities.
The Church maintains that it has not received formal notification from authorities and is awaiting further communication before commenting further.
This scandal has sent shockwaves through the Catholic community and the public at large, raising serious questions about financial oversight and potential breaches of trust.
As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to shed light on the full extent of the alleged scheme and the individuals involved.