Catholic bishop charged with embezzling millions

The former head of the Catholic Diocese of Syros testified before an investigator on Tuesday, facing charges of embezzling more than 3 million euros from the diocese’s bank accounts, as well as money laundering.

The case came to light in October 2024, when the anti–money laundering authority discovered that diocesan funds had been transferred to a businessman in Patra who allegedly used the money to rent a nightclub. Further investigation revealed that more than 3 million euros had been funneled into five bank accounts linked to the businessman.

The former bishop denied the embezzlement accusations, claiming his actions fell within the church’s charitable mission. He stated that the businessman had approached him years earlier seeking financial help for his impoverished family and argued that the official bank transfers demonstrated the legitimacy of the transactions. He also maintained that bishops hold full discretion over the use of diocesan funds.

Following his testimony, he was released on 30,000 euros bail and placed under travel restrictions. The businessman involved had previously received an eight-year suspended sentence for extorting 360,000 euros from a clergyman in Central Greece.