A Greek priest in Trikala has been charged with fraud following accusations from a 23-year-old man with health issues.
The priest, allegedly obtained significant amounts of money from his congregation that would supposedly reach the young man.
Two bank accounts had been opened for donations that according to police amount to €12,922.50.
Another €2,110 in cash and a new cellphone were confiscated during the arrest while €20,000 more in cash and receipts for cellphones, laptops and other items, were found when the police raided the priest’s home.
The 23-year-old who was used by the priest as the recipient for the donations had reportedly been asked by members of his parish and area if he had received money from the priest.
During his testimony to police the young man also complained about allegedly being physically tortured during a “blessing” from the priest that would help his health improve.
The man alleged that the procedure was violent, and was an exorcism to “relieve him of the demons” as the priest had told him.
The priest has been suspended from his duties following an official announcement by the metropolitan bishop of Fthiotida.