Investigations Intensify Around Osiou Avakoum Monastery
Amidst the serene backdrop of Cyprus, a storm brews as the state Legal Services prepare to delve into allegations of financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery. This week, sources close to the Cyprus Mail have shed light on the upcoming meeting, which is set to unravel the threads of this complex case.
Attorney-general George Savvides, while maintaining a policy of minimal public commentary on active investigations, has acknowledged the progress made by various teams and criminal investigators. The monastery, once a beacon of tranquility, now finds itself at the heart of a scandal involving not only financial discrepancies but also disturbing claims of physical and sexual misconduct.
The police’s financial crime unit, alongside the anti-money laundering unit (Mokas), is meticulously examining the financial activities of the monastery. This includes scrutinizing a significant fundraiser application of €3 million, which notably lacked the necessary financial statements. The authenticity of a video depicting a monk allegedly abusing a woman is also under scrutiny, with monks contesting its legitimacy.
Members of Parliament have voiced their demand for a rigorous investigation into church donations, suspecting potential money laundering activities. The interior ministry’s involvement has added another layer to the inquiry, providing information on the monastery’s fundraising efforts.
Adding to the intrigue are CCTV videos, whose audio component has sparked debate. Monks claim that sound recording was disabled; however, there are claims suggesting that Tamassos Bishop Isias may have used his connections to enable audio recording remotely through his brother’s position in the secret service.
As the legal services convene this week, they will also address concerns related to the ‘golden passports’ case, indicating a period of intense scrutiny for financial practices within the country. The outcomes of these meetings could have significant implications for the monastery and beyond.
