By Elena Galaris

In the holdings of bank accounts and assets of two high-ranking persons in her hierarchy Catholic Church of Greece the Anti-Money Laundering Authority proceeded, as after a random check it found that large sums of money, reaching around 3 million euros they made “wings” from the coffers of the Catholic Church and were invested in nightclubs.

According to information, the suspicious movements began 7-8 years ago, when large sums of money were moved from specific accounts handled by the two priests and ended up in the accounts of specific nightclub owners, making them appear as investments in such businesses.

During the investigation, which was carried out in absolute secrecy, there were indications of the commission of serious criminal acts, such as embezzlement and money laundering.

The Anti-Money Laundering Authority found that 3 million euros had been embezzled from the coffers of the Catholic Church, which initially led to the disclosure of the identity of the two priests, and then to the identification of the night club entrepreneurs in whose accounts the deposits were made.

In fact, the last amount of 50,000 euros was traded a few days ago.

The head of the Authority Charalambos Vourliotis has already ordered the freezing of bank accounts and assets of the five businessmen alleged to be the recipients of the large sums of money.

His conclusion has forwarded to the Prosecutorwho will investigate whether the felony of embezzlement has been committed for the two priests and money laundering for the private businessmen.