The first arrest in a wide-ranging police and judicial investigation of one of Greece’s most prominent private child & mother services NGO came on Friday in the southern city of Kalamata, when the director of a shelter there was charged – and subsequently released – with possession of a handgun.
The weapon came during a search of the Kivotos tou Kosmou (Ark of the World) shelter/orphanage in Kalamata.
The specific NGO, with shelters and homes in four sites in the country, was founded an Orthodox priest and his wife more than 20 years ago in the inner city Athens district of Kolonos.
However, in the wake of this month’s allegations by former tenants of the structures – when they were minors – of violence, and instances of sexual abuse, authorities initiated a major investigation, including auditors and social services staff.
The board of directors of the organization was hastily changed by the government, allowed under a law regarding NGOs and charities passed last year.
Officers of the financial crimes units also raided a shelter on the eastern Aegean island of Chios.
Latest News
Developing the Blue Carbon Economy in Greece
Can Greece make money by protecting its marine environment?
EIB Appoints Greece’s Ioannis Tsakiris as New VP
Ioannis Tsakiris started the new role May 1 after spending 15 years at the European Investment Fund (EIF) and serving as Greece’s Deputy Minister for Development and Investments
Two Greek Beaches in Top 50 in the World
Both Greek beaches were on the list of the best beaches in Europe too
Eurostat: Greece 20th out of 26 European States in Hourly Average Wage
According to figures released by Eurostat, the Benelux Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of Europe’s hubs for finance, is in first place
Greek Property Renovation Surge amid Economic Constraints
This has led to a notable escalation in renovation costs, with average prices per square meter exceeding previous norms and reaching even 1,000 euros in premium locations
RRF: Additional €5.1bln Funds for Subsidies to Greece in 2025
By April 22, funds totaling 5.75 billion euros had been transferred for approved projects of the Recovery Fund to entities within and outside the general government and final recipients
OECD: Greek Economy Resilient with 2% Growth Forecast for 2024
However, the OECD highlights challenges including the need to enhance productivity and fiscal adjustment due to high debt levels.
Challenges and Delays in Greece’s Hydrocarbon Exploration
Sources disclose that the petroleum companies holding the concessions are seeking partners to jointly invest and share the costs of exploration and drilling.
Greek Beach Visitors Can Report Violations on New ‘MyCoast’ App
Greek authorities hope the newly-launched, free ‘MyCoast’ app will help clamp down on public beach violations
BoG Figures Confirm Banner Year for Greek Tourism in 2023
20.6 billion euros in related revenues topped the previous year’s figure by 16.5%