Ex defense minister arrested

Former Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos was arrested on Wednesday in connection with charges of failing to declare a property he owns in central Athens on his origin of wealth (“pothen esches”) form in 2010.

Tsochatzopoulos was arrested outside his home on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and taken to the headquarters of the Athens police, known by its acronym GADA, shortly before noon. The minister made no statements to reporters.

His arrest came swiftly after the decision by judicial authorities on Wednesday morning to issue an arrest warrant. Officers of the Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE) were immediately dispatched to the former minister’s home

According to sources, warrants have also been issued for the arrest of other individuals alleged to have helped Tsochatzopoulos conceal his assets.

Appeals prosecutor Galinos Bris had recommended on Tuesday that Tsochatzopoulos stand trial for declaring an income of almost 251,000 euros, which included two bank loans totaling 150,000 euros, but not the building on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street.

Tsochatzopoulos insists the property came into his possession after the form was submitted.

Ekathimerini.com