Chania Mafia: Medical examiner and professor appear in the investigating judge

Shortly before 11:00 today, the Chania medical examiner and a member of the University of Crete’s Toxicology Laboratory were brought before the investigating magistrate, as they are being investigated for alleged involvement in a major corruption network known as the “Chania Mafia”.

The two scientists face serious charges of repeated bribery, as they are accused of drawing up false reports in exchange for payment, with the aim of securing favourable criminal treatment for defendants and falsifying judicial evidence.

The case has exposed the activities of the so-called “Chania Mafia”, a network allegedly involving corrupt police officers, judicial officials, members of the clergy and state officials.

At the same time, the Anti-Money Laundering Authority is thoroughly examining the professor’s bank transactions and assets. He is alleged to have had links to a senior judicial official. A lawyer in whose possession gold bars were found is also under investigation, in order to determine whether they were the proceeds of illegal payments.

Chania Mafia: Revealing conversations, threats and beatings

The revelations surrounding the Cretan mafia and the alleged manipulation carried out by the Chania medical examiner and toxicologist, who were arrested as members of the “Chania Mafia”, have caused shock.

It is recalled that the alleged leaders of the criminal organisation dismantled last September were two brothers, businessmen and owners of a hotel unit, who were allegedly involved in a range of serious criminal activities, including systematic drug and arms trafficking and extortion. The organisation had also allegedly approached and recruited police officers and even a member of the clergy.

In video footage that has emerged, an alleged leading member of the network is seen violently beating a man inside a café.

The accused man, accompanied by men dressed in black, appears unconcerned by the terrified customers watching and attacks the victim with punches. He throws him to the ground and continues beating him mercilessly.

The man is currently being held in pre-trial detention and has also been recorded speaking to the head of a Chania police department about the extortion of a contractor. Members of the alleged mafia had reportedly demanded €20,000 from the contractor in exchange for allowing him to continue a project.

Defendant: I’ve got myself into trouble.

Police officer: What happened?

Defendant: What do you think happened with that clown? He’ll call you tomorrow, and because some people will be coming there tomorrow, I’ll bring my own boys too, my muscle, and I’ll head over there.

Police officer: Hmm…

Defendant: Make sure your people stay calm, so we can do something there, little by little, so I can somehow withdraw it gradually and avoid any commotion.

Their conversation concerning the mayor of Chania is also shocking, with one of the three police officers allegedly involved in the network heard making threats against him.

Police officer: How are you?

Defendant: What do you think? I fed them all yesterday, excuse the way we’re talking, but the fing mayor called me 30 times. I told him, “Don’t even think about calling the police.”

Police officer: Yes, he called me and told me they wouldn’t do anything for a few days.

Defendant: Oh, he called you?

Police officer: Yes, he called me in the evening.

Defendant: Yes, because I fed him, I fed him, and this morning the contractors went and took the hoses. Listen to this now. Honestly, you should have gone and arrested the mayor yourself, not me.

Police officer: Do you know what I told him? I said, “Be a good boy and eat all your food, because you’re going to get a serious beating.”