The investigation revealed that the suspect, self-styled as an Archbishop, communicated with ring members using coded recipes for drugs. Terms such as “fanouropita” referred to raw cannabis, “keraki” to cocaine, and “macaroni” or “bread” also indicated cannabis shipments.
Church Used as Drug Hub
The church in the Liosion area, formerly a warehouse managed by GAIAOSE (a subsidiary of Greece’s rail operator OSE), had been rented, converted into a chapel, and later used by the accused and two accomplices to store and distribute drugs to dealers and addicts.
Authorities say a 52-year-old woman oversaw recruitment and guidance of members, while a 50-year-old Albanian national financed operations. The group reportedly cultivated cannabis in Fthiotida and distributed it in Athens and Rhodes, with cocaine priced at €35,000 per kilo and cannabis at €2,500 per kilo.
Explosive Wiretap Evidence
Wiretaps captured coded conversations between the suspects discussing sales and financial support. In one exchange, the priest suspect arranged a delivery of “macaroni” in return for €300, highlighting the organization’s use of everyday terms to conceal illicit activity.
Authorities also revealed that the 46-year-old solicited money from parishioners and public figures, citing personal problems, then disappeared with the funds.
Legal Proceedings
The church landlord, GAIAOSE, filed a formal complaint in May 2025 after the tenant failed to pay rent, seeking legal remedies in June. Court proceedings related to the property dispute are scheduled for December 2025, coinciding with the ongoing criminal case.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to piece together the full scope of the operation and the roles of all involved.