From Cyprus the data on the start-ups of Akis Tsochatzopoulos

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For months, the Anti-Concealment Unit (MOKAS) in the respective Authority in Greece had provided information regarding possible supplies in connection with the purchase of submarines, with the former Minister of National Defense and PASOK leader Akis Tsochatzos being suspected. The Legal Service of the Republic has been talking about cooperation between the Cypriot and Greek authorities for quite some time… 

On Thursday, there was a reaction from MOKAS to a publication of "F" in which it was reported that the authorities in Greece had identified evidence in relation to the case that also involved Cyprus.

MOKAS, without being requested by any Authority, started an investigation, following publications both here and in Greece, which concerned the issue. He managed, according to information, to gather several important data which he forwarded for evaluation to the Authority for Money Laundering in Greece.

Recently and after the arrest of Akis Tsochatzopoulos, MOKAS sent these data again (on Holy Thursday) for use.

According to "F", the authorities in Greece never contacted the Cypriot authorities on the matter to request additional information or information.

The day before yesterday, Wednesday, when new data involving Cyprus were announced in Greece, no mention was made that they had been transmitted for months by MOKAS, essentially concealing this fact.

In fact, the head of the Unit, Eva Papakyriakou, speaking on Friday morning on RIK radio, said that after the publication of information according to which Cyprus is also involved in the case, MOKAS in consultation with the Attorney General, took the initiative and conducted a survey.

"We have gathered some information which we have forwarded to the Greek authorities and we believe that they will find it useful."

The Unit as well as the other competent Authorities in Cyprus remain at the disposal of the Greek Authorities for cooperation and assistance in clarifying the case.

According to the same information, during the investigations in Cyprus, the persons who acted in order to register various companies and open bank accounts with persons who could not be fictitious were identified. In fact, there is talk of 21 people who were involved in this process and related amounts related to the supplies for the purchase of submarines.

So far no amount has been "frozen" since this was not requested by the Greek authorities who are investigating money laundering cases.

However, Ms. Papakyriakou stated that the Service, in a letter to the Greek authorities, requests that the conclusion of the case be sent to it, and in particular the points where Cyprus is involved.

"At the same time," said the head of MOKAS, "we have expressed our readiness to cooperate with the Greek authorities and to help clarify the case."

It is recalled that MOKAS had also conducted investigations for the company "Torcaso" which belonged to Mr. Tsochatzopoulos's cousin, which was established in Cyprus and through which properties were bought in Athens which were later sold to the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi.

For this reason, Ms. Papakyriakou did not rule out the possibility that this case is related to the case concerning the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi.

Announcement of the Legal Service

Late on Friday afternoon, the Legal Service issued a statement emphasizing that the Cypriot authorities have been cooperating for some time with the competent Greek authorities regarding the case in which Akis Tsochatzopoulos seems to be involved, as well as other persons, in particular regarding the possible involvement of Cyprus.

According to the Legal Service of the Republic of Cyprus, "relevant information has already been provided and at the same time the Cypriot authorities have expressed their full readiness and willingness for any further cooperation in the investigation of the case."

"As can be understood," the Legal Service states, "it is not possible to provide any other information or details due to the ongoing investigations."

In relation to the publications of the last days for the investigations carried out in Greece, the Legal Service further states "that official information has been requested from the Greek Authorities in relation to the facts under investigation, as well as the sending of the conclusion, which, from publications , it seems that it has been prepared ".