Two alleged ringleaders of “Cretan Mafia” ordered into custody

Two brothers described as the masterminds of the so-called “Cretan mafia” have been ordered into pre-trial detention in connection with the second case file against them.

Initially, the suspects had been released with restrictive conditions after giving statements regarding the first case, which involves arms and drug trafficking. However, an investigating magistrate later issued arrest warrants in relation to a second case, which concerns extortion and the handling of church property.

According to efsyn, the accused have requested time to prepare their defense and are expected to testify on Tuesday. Hearings for other suspects in the case are ongoing.

The second case centers on the disputed sale of 175 acres of land belonging to a monastery in the Stavros area of Akrotiri, Chania. The property was sold to an Israeli group through one of the defendants, with the approval of the then-bishop, who is also facing charges, alongside a lawyer involved in the transaction.

Charges include influence peddling, repeated bribery of public officials, extortion, attempted fraud causing damages exceeding €120,000, money laundering, financing of terrorism, moral instigation of extortion and grievous bodily harm, as well as breach of trust against a public legal entity.

On Friday, 11 of the 17 people arrested in connection with the investigation were released following their depositions.