Greek nightclubs caught in web of Catholic Church corruption Divine dollars?

The President of the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority (HAMLA), Charalambos Vourliotis, who previously served as Deputy Prosecutor of the Greek Supreme Court, has taken significant action by freezing the bank accounts and assets of several nightclub owners in the Peloponnese.

This decisive move comes after investigations revealed that these individuals received substantial financial transfers from two high-ranking clerics within the hierarchy of the Greek Catholic Church, Caliber.Az reports via Greek media.

The authority's findings have been forwarded to the prosecuting authorities of the Greek Catholic Church headquarters, which will investigate the two priests for possible embezzlement and assess the nightclub owners for money laundering activities.

Alarmingly, one of the nightclub owners has a documented history of involvement in previous criminal offences, raising concerns about the extent of illicit financial activities in the region. Furthermore, the Vatican has been informed about these developments, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations against its clergy.

HAMLA's investigation began when banks reported "suspicious" transactions involving large sums of money. This prompted a comprehensive audit to trace the route of the funds and identify all parties involved. The investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that approximately €3 million had been embezzled from the Catholic Church's treasury over the past eight years and subsequently funnelled into nightclub investments. 

The most recent suspicious transaction involved a transfer of €50,000, detected just a few days ago, indicating that these activities may still be ongoing. This pattern of financial misconduct is not isolated; it reflects broader issues within various religious institutions in Europe and beyond. Reports have emerged from other countries highlighting similar cases of financial mismanagement and corruption within church organizations, where funds intended for charitable purposes have been diverted for personal gain.

For example, in 2021, a high-profile case in Italy involved a Vatican official accused of embezzling church funds to finance personal luxury projects. Such incidents have sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater transparency and accountability within religious organizations. Similarly, a scandal in the United States involving a prominent Catholic bishop accused of misusing church funds for personal expenses has led to investigations and demands for reforms within the church’s financial oversight mechanisms.

By Tamilla Hasanova