The 35-year-old partner of the founder of the NGO “Children’s Joy” was remanded in custody after appearing before an investigating magistrate in Thessaloniki yesterday, Tuesday (3 November). She is suspected of involvement in the embezzlement of funds from the NGO, which claimed to collect donations for sick children.
The 35-year-old denied some of the charges but reportedly admitted to embezzling approximately €500,000, less than the amount specified in the indictment. She claimed that most of the money was used by her 37-year-old partner, whom she described as addicted to gambling and sports betting, while a small portion was spent on family expenses.
She also denied that the money had been used to fund a luxurious lifestyle, noting that the couple lived in a rented 68-square-metre apartment in Toumba.
The Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen the assets of the defendants in the case.
Three other defendants appeared before the investigating magistrate on the same day: the 35-year-old’s brother, a referee and the president of a sports club. The latter two face charges related to illegal betting and match-fixing in local football leagues. All three were released under restrictive conditions. The NGO’s 37-year-old founder is expected to appear before the investigating magistrate tomorrow, Thursday (5 November).
The case file includes charges of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, involvement in a criminal gang and offences related to football match-fixing, depending on the defendant.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen the defendants’ movable and immovable assets and identified approximately €300,000 held in Luxembourg through PayPal accounts. Donors to the NGO can seek to recover frozen funds by providing supporting documentation.
Source: To Vima (1, 2)
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