NEWS

Probe launched into allegations against top judge

Probe launched  into allegations against top judge

A deputy prosecutor has launched a probe into allegations made earlier in the month by the chairman of the Marfin Investment Group (MIG), Andreas Vegnopoulos, that Supreme Court President Vasiliki Thanou bribed and blackmailed judicial officials to influence an investigation into his activities.

The probe follows a letter sent by Vgenopoulos Tuedsay to Justice Minister Nikos Paraskevopoulos questioning why an investigation had not been launched after he made his allegations earlier in the month.

Vgenopoulos, who is the subject of a probe into his role in the collapse of Laiki Bank in Cyprus, had alleged that Thanou used her position to impact the outcome of legal proceedings regarding the extradition of two of his associates and former board members of the now defunct bank.

Thanou was forced to step down as the head of the inquiry in April after appeals court prosecutor Georgia Tsatani, who is also being scrutinized for her role in the Vgenopoulos probe, claimed she was biased.

On Monday, Thanou had lashed out at the allegations, claiming there was a concerted effort by third parties on behalf of those implicated in corruption cases to slander and intimidate judicial officials.

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