Nicosia, Cyprus. A criminal court on Monday dismissed a defence objection concerning evidence presented in the trial over alleged financial fraud at Avakoum monastery. Monks Nektarios and Porfyrios are facing multiple charges in the case.
Charges and earlier claims
The defendants face charges including conspiracy to defraud, forgery and use of false documents, theft by proxy, handling stolen goods, money laundering, interference with judicial proceedings and submission of fraudulent tax returns.
The case emerged after authorities found €800,000 in cash and uncovered alleged fake miracles and CCTV footage of prohibited sexual acts.
Earlier in the proceedings, defence lawyers said that several hooded individuals entered the monastery after its gates had closed on March 5, 2024, removing items that later ended up at the Tamasos bishopric.
The lawyers said the items subsequently came into police possession and sought a trial within a trial to determine whether they had been obtained unlawfully. The court rejected that request.
Evidence objection dismissed
The judges ruled on Monday on a further objection submitted by the defence last week. The objection concerned evidence presented by a police officer appearing as a prosecution witness, which defence lawyers said had been unlawfully obtained by authorities.
The defence also alleged that the chain of custody for the same evidence had been compromised.
The court dismissed the objection, rejecting the argument that presenting the evidence would violate the defendants’ rights. It said it was not ruling at this stage on whether the evidence was admissible and that the defence could challenge it during the trial.
The court then allowed the police officer, who is responsible for safeguarding evidence collected by police, to present the material.
Cash remains in police custody
Lead prosecutor Vasilis Bissas told the court that the seized €800,000 remains in police custody, specifically with the rapid response unit Mmad.
Prosecutors presented a receipt confirming that police hold the money rather than presenting the cash itself. The defence raised no objection.