Charalambos Vourliotis, the President of HAMLA and former Deputy Prosecutor of the Greek Supreme Court, announced the action after discovering that these nightclub owners received large sums of money from two high-ranking clerics within the church hierarchy.
As part of the ongoing investigation, HAMLA has referred its findings to the prosecuting authorities at the Catholic Church’s headquarters in Greece, prompting an inquiry into possible embezzlement by the two priests and money laundering by the nightclub owners. Notably, one nightclub owner has a history of prior criminal offences.
The investigation began after banks flagged suspicious transfers amounting to approximately €3 million, which have allegedly been funnelled from the church’s treasury to the nightclubs over the past eight years. Authorities are now mapping the flow of funds to identify all individuals involved in the case.
Recent developments revealed that a suspicious transfer of €50,000 was detected just days ago, heightening concerns over potential financial misconduct within the church. The Vatican has also been informed of these significant actions by HAMLA, as the investigation continues to unfold.
(Source: Amna)