Money laundering investigation involving catholic church funds in Greece
Greek authorities are investigating alleged money laundering involving €3 million from the Catholic Church, resulting in the freezing of assets belonging to nightclub owners. Charalambos Vourliotis, President of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority and former Supreme Court prosecutor, ordered the freeze after discovering transactions involving two high-ranking priests within the Greek Catholic Church and several nightclub owners in the Peloponnese.
As the investigation progresses, the Greek Catholic Church hierarchy has been informed, and the Vatican’s central office was also notified of the findings. Authorities revealed that around €3 million from the Church had been transferred to nightclubs, with suspicious transactions dating back eight years. One of the implicated business owners reportedly has a criminal record, further raising concerns.
The investigation focuses on potential money laundering and embezzlement. Authorities are actively collaborating with church officials to verify the evidence as the inquiry continues.