Serillegations have been made against Catholic Church officials in Greece, accusing them of engaging in financial misconduct involving the transfer of over €3 million (£2.5 million) in misappropriated funds. These funds were allegedly laundered through various establishments such as cafes and nightclubs.
Catholic Church officials are accused of using cafes and nightclubs to launder €3 million in embezzled funds
An investigation by Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority, which has uncovered that the Catholic Church’s money was used to fund Greek nightlife, has already frozen the bank accounts and assets of five nightclub owners in the southern region of Peloponnese.
According to Euronews, the case goes back eight years ago, when the first unusual transaction to one of the five private individuals, disguised as an ordinary investment, took place.
The most recent suspected illegal transfer of €50,000 occurred just a few days ago.
The case, which began as a random audit, has been sent to the chief prosecutor’s office for further criminal investigation. The prosecutor’s office is next expected to question the seven over alleged embezzlement and money laundering and open felony proceedings.
In response to the allegations, the Catholic Church in Greece said in a statement on Thursday that it was unaware of the two priests’ actions.
“In light of the recent press reports regarding allegations of embezzlement and money laundering, we would like to clarify that we do not possess any official information on the matter at this time. We are diligently awaiting an update from the relevant authorities so that we may form an informed and responsible position on this issue,” it stated.
