Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-09-15

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Corruption prosecutors raid home of Greek central banker Yannis Stournaras

[01] Corruption prosecutors raid home of Greek central banker Yannis Stournaras

Sources said the prosecutors conducting the raid confiscated documents and electronic files related to the activities of Nikolopoulou-Stournara's company and its dealings with the HCDCP.

Bank of Greece sources earlier confirmed that a raid was carried out, while noting that the "alleged judicial officials refused to show identification."

An official central bank statement on the incident might be issued during the day.

This is the second investigation concerning the HCDCP's advertising spending, following an investigation that culminated in the prosecution of the agency's director and board members in 2015 for breach of faith, concerning their actions in the years 2011-2013.

Based on evidence collected by the corruption prosecutors in that case, which is now in the hands of an examining magistrate , the HCDCP spent sums greater than 2.0 million euros on messages to inform the public about health issues, such as the seasonal flu and others, which could have been broadcast without charge as public service messages. In addition, the investigators discovered irregularities in some of the related tender procedures, while in one case the contract was awarded to a company that should have been ruled out for non-payment of social insurance contributions.

Stournaras contacted Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and informed him of the raid carried out earlier the same day. According to government sources, the prime minister learned of the incident from Stournaras.

The same source said that the prime minister and central banker agreed that this is an investigation by independent justice, in which both have confidence. They also agreed that this development will not affect cooperation between the government and the Bank of Greece.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article