Monastery Funds Under Scrutiny in Money Laundering Probe
In a surprising twist within the serene walls of the Saint Habakkuk monastery, a hefty sum of €807,000 has been unearthed, prompting a stringent money laundering investigation. The discovery, made in a safe on the religious premises, has raised eyebrows and the attention of law enforcement agencies. During a recent meeting at the Law Office, attended by investigators and police officers, the decision was made to take control of the funds due to the severity of potential crimes associated with such a large amount of cash.
According to Philenews, the Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MOKAS) is gearing up to request a court order to freeze the funds. The objective is clear: to halt any possibility of the money being moved or concealed. Should the ongoing investigation culminate in a conviction, authorities are poised to pursue forfeiture of the seized funds. Conversely, should the monastery be cleared of wrongdoing, they may have grounds to reclaim the substantial sum.
Simultaneously, this incident has sparked a separate probe into the financial dealings of the monastery. This independent inquiry is fueled by testimonies and complaints that have surfaced. The team responsible for dissecting these financial transactions is focusing on the origin and intended use of the €807,000. With substantial evidence in hand, they are poised to take action imminently.
The scope of the investigation is broadening to scrutinize various facets of the monastery’s operations. This includes assessing the authenticity of so-called “miracles” promoted through social media videos, evaluating fundraising practices, and identifying other possible financial discrepancies.
Philenews has highlighted that investigators are adopting a proactive approach by not delaying legal consultations until every aspect of their investigation is complete. Instead, they will submit finished cases to the Legal Service progressively for assessment.
Significant developments are anticipated in the coming week. Among them are two completed cases—one involving an assault on a woman by a monk and another concerning a sexual harassment allegation by a former employee—both set to be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office for further direction.
