The hotel owner characterized as the leader of the Cretan mafia gave an interview to Star TV and Tassoula Papanikolaou, categorically denying any involvement in criminal activities. Along with his brother, he faces serious charges for participation in a second criminal organization.
Crete mafia: Second arrest and new charges
The first criminal organization included an extensive network with numerous illegal activities, including drugs, weapons, extortion, and ecclesiastical affairs. The two brothers, who manage a hotel business and beach bar in the Chania area, are alleged to be central figures of the organization.
The dismantling was carried out after thorough investigation and a large-scale police operation in late August 2025. Last night, just hours after their release with restrictive conditions, the Cretan mafia leader and his brother were arrested again due to a new case file.
“There was no connection whatsoever between us and the alleged criminal organization. We had no acquaintance with any of those mentioned in the indictment. No involvement with drugs, weapons, or extortion ever existed. This entire case was a bubble, which is why they released us,” declares the accused hotel owner.
The dispute over 175 acres in Agia Triada
Regarding the land property at the center of the dispute, the accused explains: “The 175 acres legally belong to my brother, inherited from our grandfather and additionally purchased from a significant businessman who has passed away. The monastery has no rights over this land. It has already won 750 acres from the Greek State in court. It cannot claim everything.”
Concerning the evidence against him, he maintains: “That is not my voice being heard. It’s artificial intelligence. We didn’t blackmail or threaten anyone. They have implicated us in ecclesiastical scandals that don’t concern us at all.”
The conversation with Panos Kammenos and the revelations
Regarding the conversation that caused a sensation, the accused provides his own version: “I contacted Mr. Kammenos by phone and during our conversation, the topic with the archimandrite came up. Mr. Kammenos publicly stated he was joking. His decision, he did the right thing.”
