Within the next few days, Makarios Drousiotis will find out whether he will also face a new charge against him, this time for conducting an illegal fundraiser.
All of this comes as he faces serious charges in the high-profile “Santi” case.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The police are investigating whether the online fundraising campaign should have been conducted in accordance with the Ministry of the Interior’s procedures for fundraising.
“The letter will be reviewed by the police, and further actions will be determined accordingly.”
Police
So was it a fundraiser after all?
The Ministry of the Interior is clear, however, that a permit from the Fundraising Permits Authority is required in order for anyone to conduct a fundraiser.
In fact, at this time, 30 fundraising campaigns have been approved and are currently underway, with the majority aimed at providing assistance to patient groups through foundations, associations, and charitable organizations.
However, attorney Simos Angelidis insists that this practice—which appears to involve so-called crowdfunding—does not seem to fall within the scope of the law itself.
“It is the purpose that determines whether it qualifies as a fundraiser. And the purpose must be charitable, philanthropic, religious, or animal welfare-related, or for the erection of a monument. Fundraising, as interpreted by the law, does not cover the actions taken by Mr. Drousiotis.”
He argued that, in his view, it would have been more appropriate for the Ministry of the Interior to consult the Legal Service—before sending a letter to the police—to seek a legal opinion.
State Mafia
While all this is happening, investigations are continuing following the findings of the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority regarding the “Mafia State.”
The five-member team of independent criminal investigators is examining the findings and the evidence gathered during the preliminary proceedings conducted by the Authority’s inspection officers.
However, as reported today by the newspaper “P,” the Tax Commissioner has appointed another committee to investigate seven officials, based on the findings of the Anti-Corruption Authority.
See the report by Giorgos Chrysanthos
