Greek Charity Founder Faces Third Trial for Financial Mismanagement

The founder of the "Kivotos tou Kosmou" (Ark of the World) charity, Father Antonios, is heading to trial for financial misconduct for the third time. A judicial council has ordered him to stand trial at the Athens Mixed Court of Appeal for felonies related to the organization's finances. He will share the dock with Stamata Georganti, a former employee, and another staff member.

The charges against them include persistent infidelity, aiding and abetting infidelity, embezzlement of property entrusted to them due to their positions as administrators of foreign property, and money laundering. Judges who issued the indictment believe Father Antonios was the "mastermind" behind all of Georganti's actions.

Prosecutors allege that the damage to "Kivotos tou Kosmou" stemmed from several financial irregularities. These include using the organization's funds for the renovation of Father Antonios's personal property and hiring an employee to maintain his property, with salary paid from the charity's accounts. Additionally, substantial payments were allegedly made to a co-accused employee who did not provide equivalent services, totaling approximately 200,000 euros.

Further accusations involve the illegal appropriation of around 100,000 euros from "Kivotos tou Kosmou" funds entrusted to Georganti. These funds, derived from private donations, were reportedly used for the living expenses of Georganti, her family, and Father Antonios, allowing them to save their own income. The indictment also details Georganti's alleged removal of cash and valuables from a "Kivotos tou Kosmou" bank safe deposit box in Athens, at Father Antonios's instruction. These items, along with other NGO property valued at approximately 305,000 euros, were never handed over to the new interim administration and were allegedly hidden by Georganti in a secret location.