Monks embroiled in scandal now accused of labor exploitation

Police are still investigating two complaints against the two archmandrites involved in the infamous Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal, police spokesman Christos Andreou said on Tuesday.

He said authorities are investigating labor exploitation by two monks against the two archmandrites and that investigations have been going on for three months.

This case is one of twelve pending before the police in connection with the monastery scandal.

The investigation into ten has been completed.

Nine of these cases are before the court and one case, concerning conspiracy to commit fraud, has already been brought before the criminal court.

The two Archmandrites Nektarios and Porphyrios are facing serious charges of, among other things, conspiracy to defraud after they withheld money for their own benefit instead of depositing it in the monastery’s accounts. They are also accused of stealing various sums of money, both together and through Nektarios alone.

Nektarios is also accused of money laundering and is accused of knowingly obtaining €806,660 from illegal activities. The relevant complaint was filed with the police by Bishop Tamassos of Isaias, who handed over a safe deposit box he had received from the monastery in which the money was found.

The police investigation is being led by two detectives.

As for the other investigations, police have an ongoing case involving a video that shows a monk hitting a female employee with a belt. According to a report in phile news, Police are demanding that the monk be prosecuted, but the woman has not yet made a statement.

Police are also investigating breaches of the GDPR, in a case brought to authorities by the Data Protection Commissioner over the use of CCTV at the monastery.

Officers are also investigating a complaint by a former employee of the monastery about sexual harassment by a monk. The investigation has not produced definitive conclusions, so it is up to the legal department to issue guidance.

There are two other complaints that also relate to sexual harassment. The legal department will also have to make a decision on these.

Police are also investigating four complaints from monks against Isaias or people from the diocese. The monks complained that they were threatened, intimidated or attacked during events on March 5, 2024 at the monastery. In one case, the crime of assault appears to have been established.

Police are also investigating an allegation by Nektarios that he gave €450,000 to Isaias on various dates.

The investigation is expected to be completed by mid-September.