Greece Freezes Bank Accounts Related To Money Laundering Cases Of Tens Of Billions Of Catholic Churches

JAKARTA - Greek authorities have frozen the bank accounts and assets of five cafe and nightclub owners on suspicion of being involved in the laundering of Catholic church money supplied by two church officials.

During a months-long investigation, anti-money laundering authorities in the country found more than 3 million euros (Rp50 billion) disbursed from Catholic Church funds in Greece to five bank accounts, a source familiar with the investigation said.

The findings of the authorities have been forwarded to prosecutors who are expected to open their own investigations, the Athens News Agency said.

The two church officials are suspected of embezzling and sending the most recent suspicious money a few days ago.

The entrepreneurs are active in the southern part of Peloponnese.

The Holy Synod of the Greek Catholic Church said it had not been officially notified of the matter by Greek authorities and would comment on the case after obtaining information.