New information is emerging about the criminal organization that trafficked drugs and had a prominent figure in its operational mechanisms – a 46-year-old clergyman, a television and internet personality who, besides spreading messages of love, was distributing cannabis and cocaine. According to police sources, both the 46-year-old alleged archbishop and former model, as well as his two direct associates, also clergymen, had extensive involvement in migrant trafficking beyond drug distribution. They allegedly exploited their religious status to mislead authorities during their illegal operations.
A characteristic case involves the illegal transportation of at least six migrants who attempted to enter Greek territory through the Evros border. The incident was recorded by police authorities in mid-September last year, when one of the three clergymen involved was caught red-handed by border guard officers driving a vehicle transporting the foreigners, who clearly had no documents justifying their presence in Greek territory. According to information from the police investigation, operations involving migrant trafficking were always conducted under orders from one of the two leaders of the criminal organization.
The makeshift church and the deception of television stars
Beyond this, the main occupation of the three clergymen primarily involved transporting, storing, and distributing cocaine and cannabis, quantities of which were stored in a makeshift church built in recent years in an old abandoned warehouse that previously belonged to the railway organization. This church became a refuge for several well-known television stars who, having learned about the 46-year-old clergyman’s work, often found themselves by his side, possibly misled by the “advertising” of his charitable work. It’s no coincidence that about five years ago, the 46-year-old clergyman established the church by calling on people to contribute to building the first church dedicated to the patron saint of cancer patients. Hence the church’s name. At that time, the 46-year-old allegedly received a large donation from a Greek-Canadian woman who was moved by the effort, being a cancer patient herself.
Among those who reportedly assisted the 46-year-old clergyman’s efforts was a very well-known actress and star of Greek TV, who was also moved by the priest’s effort and his dedication to consecrating the church to the patron saint of cancer patients. She has spoken publicly about her own health problems and may have been influenced by her personal experience, believing that the 46-year-old’s actions were sincere and selfless.
According to police sources, after at least six months of systematic surveillance, it was discovered that drug deals were taking place in the church courtyard, as well as supply to “runners” who would then continue the distribution outside the church premises.
