Former PM’s adviser summoned to answer on financial crimes
A close aide to former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has been summoned by a financial crimes prosecutor in connection with the so-called Lagarde list of wealthy Greek depositors at a Geneva branch of HSBC.
Prosecutor Yiannis Dragatsis called lawyer Stavros Papastavrou to answer questions regarding his suspected involvement in tax evasion and money laundering through an account containing 5.5 million euros that was among hundreds on a list submitted to the Greek authorities in 2010 by then-French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, currently managing director of the International Monetary Fund.
Papastavrou’s legal counsel requested an extension so that the former prime minister’s adviser can prepare his defense. A new date will be set for his deposition after the August 15 break.
