Police are pursuing two lines of inquiry in the scandal surrounding the Saint Habakkuk Monastery.
The first concerns the origins of a substantial sum, reportedly amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros, found within the monastery. The second line focuses on serious allegations made by four monks against Bishop Isaias.
Philenews has learned that CID investigators have scheduled meetings with two monks from the monastery to formally document their allegations at police headquarters.
Additionally, the remaining two monks, implicated in the financial aspect of the case, are expected to be summoned to file their complaints.
In response to electronic communications from lawyers representing two of the monks, CID is probing complaints against the Bishop of Tamassos and Orinis, Isaias.
The monks have been invited to submit written testimonies and provide any relevant evidence and witness statements they may possess.
The accusations levelled involve allegations of threats, assaults, and acts of violence, either directly by the clergyman in question or by his representatives.
Concurrently, the Economic Crime Investigation Office is investigating the case, examining documents submitted by Isaias during his testimony last Friday. The focus is on potential financial offences committed within the monastery’s precincts, with particular attention to how €800,000 in cash was accumulated and other related financial matters.
The investigation also aims to determine the monastery’s real estate holdings, how these assets were acquired, and under whose name they are registered.
Police detectives made urgent visits to the monastery, securing the significant cash sum and documents present. These visits, which occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, were part of a targeted effort to investigate the alleged offences.
In a related development, opposition AKEL has taken the initiative to raise a spontaneous discussion in the Committee on Internal Affairs, titled “The financial exploitation of faith and the need for legislative regulation.”
The party argues for the protection of citizens, particularly the faithful, from exploitative practices.
Case background
At the heart of the alleged scandal is the discovery of a safe containing €800,000 and properties in Piraeus and Limassol, which are believed to be owned by two members of the monastery.
Authorities are probing whether these funds were derived from the donations of the faithful.
Two monks allegedly implicated in the financial fraud were also captured on camera engaging in sexual acts.
The cameras were reportedly set up by the monks themselves, to monitor individuals entering and exiting an office within the monastery and a room used as a bedroom.
Notably, the monastery’s website listed accounts for various monastery-related activities, be it contributions or other ventures asking for financial backing from believers.
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