EU law enforcement officers are investigating the laundering of Russian funds via monasteries on Mount Athos

According to certain Greek media that refer to their own sources, the operation of law enforcement officers was preceded by checking the bank accounts of both these monasteries and various institutions that were allegedly used for money laundering. This is reported by the Spiritual Front of Ukraine.

In particular, some suspicious deposits and money transfers to monks and abbots of monasteries on Mount Athos are in question.

It is expected that a report on the origin and financial management of huge amounts operated by Greek and Cypriot banks will be published soon.
According to the same source, OLAF will submit an official request to “freeze” the bank accounts of these monasteries while the investigation will be extended to other monasteries.

It is noted that Holy Mount Athos came to the focus of attention of the US authorities because of its civilian governor – shipowner Athanasios Martinos, whose ships, in particular, transport Russian oil, since the monastic community allegedly turned into a “lair” of Russian and pro-Russian agents and spies who sell fake passports.

On Mount Athos, six out of 20 monasteries openly support Russian aggression against Ukraine.