After a procedure than lasted three year, the Five-Member Court of Appeals ruled on the so-called “golden bribes” and found guilty former defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos and another 15 defenders. The sentences are still to be announced.
According to in.gr, it is worth noting that the court reduced the amount of “money laundering” from 40 to 10 million euros for both the ex minister as well as for the former Secretary General of the Armaments Division, Ioannis Sbokos.
Among the defenders are also Tsochatzopoulos current and ex wife.
With the exception of Sbokos, all other defenders are out of prison with suspended sentences implemented by first instance courts. Last spring, ex minister Tsochatzopoulos was released on health issues after he served five years of a 20-year sentence.
The court decision on the penalties are expected to be announce don Wednesday. The judges will decide whether some of the defenders will have to return to prison.
The “golden bribes” refer to the famous purchase of submarines from Germany, when Tsochatzopoulos was serving a Defense Minister under PASOK government.
prison is all well and good, why aren’t all their assets stripped and sold and returned to the public purse?