The scandal at Osiou Avakoum monastery involves allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety among two monks, with €800,000 in cash found and a video showing potential sexual encounters. The Holy Synod’s investigative committee and police are both conducting inquiries into assault, sexual harassment, and possible money laundering related to church donations, with the scandal continuing to unfold with legal disputes and ongoing investigations.
What is the scandal at Osiou Avakoum monastery about?
The scandal at Osiou Avakoum involves two monks in allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety, with €800,000 found and a video showing potential sexual encounters. The Holy Synod’s investigative committee is probing the case, alongside police inquiries into assault, sexual harassment, and possible money laundering related to church donations.
Scandal Unfolding at Osiou Avakoum Monastery
Two monks from Osiou Avakoum monastery find themselves at the heart of a burgeoning scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety. The case, which has captivated public attention, involves the discovery of a substantial sum of €800,000 in cash. This discovery coincided with the emergence of footage purportedly showing the monks in a sexual encounter.
An investigative committee of six members, appointed by the Holy Synod, has been conducting inquiries with what has been described as ‘feverish pace’. Despite the swift progress, the involved monks have not yet been called to testify, with the committee indicating they will be the last to provide their accounts. Speculation suggests that they may be summoned this week as the investigation nears its conclusion.
Legal Disputes and Police Investigations
The legal representatives of the monks have raised concerns about the investigative procedure, alleging deviations from the canonical law of the church. This has raised questions about whether the monks will be called to testify at all. Meanwhile, police are actively pursuing their investigations, which include a video that allegedly shows a monk assaulting a woman. There is also an ongoing investigation into claims of sexual harassment.
The financial aspect of the scandal is also under intense scrutiny. The police’s financial crime unit and the anti-money laundering unit (Mokas) are examining potential money laundering activities and the possibility that funds were acquired through false representations. This financial probe has extended to an investigation into whether donations to the church were subject to money laundering.
The Inquiry Deepens
The interior ministry has been reviewing fundraiser applications from the monastery. Notably, one application involved a request for €3 million, which was submitted without the accompanying necessary financial statements. Investigators are also looking into several CCTV videos, particularly focusing on whether audio was being recorded.
The monks have contested the sound recording, suggesting through their lawyers that a high-ranking church official may have used personal connections to enable audio recording remotely. The police’s subsequent steps include consulting the company responsible for the CCTV installation and meticulous examination of the servers.
As for the congregation, some have alleged they were swindled out of money by the monks, prompting the police to gather bank statements and land registry records to investigate properties that may be registered in the monks’ names. The church’s powerful influence has been cited as a reason for the absence of arrests and the police’s involvement in transferring the seized cash, although the police have denied any preferential treatment.
Ongoing Vigilance
This case underscores the broader challenges faced by religious institutions in maintaining transparency and accountability, especially when confronted with allegations that have both legal and ethical implications. Authorities remain vigilant as they unravel the complex web of financial and personal misconduct, ensuring that justice and order are upheld within both ecclesiastical and civil realms.
What is the scandal at Osiou Avakoum monastery about?
The scandal at Osiou Avakoum involves two monks in allegations of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety, with €800,000 found and a video showing potential sexual encounters. The Holy Synod’s investigative committee is probing the case, alongside police inquiries into assault, sexual harassment, and possible money laundering related to church donations.
What legal disputes and police investigations are taking place regarding the scandal?
Legal disputes have arisen regarding the investigative procedure, with the monks’ legal representatives alleging deviations from the church’s canonical law. Police investigations include examining a video allegedly showing a monk assaulting a woman, as well as ongoing inquiries into sexual harassment and potential money laundering activities related to church donations.
How is the financial aspect of the scandal being investigated?
The police’s financial crime unit and anti-money laundering unit are scrutinizing potential money laundering activities and the possibility that funds were acquired through false representations. Investigations also focus on whether donations to the church were involved in money laundering schemes.
What additional measures are being taken in the inquiry into the scandal at Osiou Avakoum monastery?
The interior ministry is reviewing fundraiser applications from the monastery, including one seeking €3 million without necessary financial statements. Investigators are examining CCTV videos for potential audio recordings and consulting the company responsible for the CCTV installation. Police are gathering bank statements and land registry records to investigate properties possibly registered in the monks’ names.
