Catholic Church officials in Greece accused of using nightclubs and cafes to launder €3 million in embezzled money

Catholic Church officials in Greece allegedly sent more than €3 million in embezzled money to be laundered through cafes and nightclubs.

The country’s anti-money laundering authority conducted a months-long investigation and discovered that two officials allegedly sent the church’s money to five bank accounts, a source told Reuters.

The Athens News Agency said they are suspected of embezzlement and that the most recent suspected transfer was a few days ago.

Accounts and assets of five club and bar owners from the southern Peloponnese region have now been frozen, a senior official and local media said.

Details have reportedly been sent to a prosecutor, who is expected to open its own investigation.

The Holy Synod of the Catholic Church of Greece said it had not been officially notified of the case and would comment if contacted by authorities.