29-Year-Old Arrested in Ioannina for Posing as a Monk and Fraud

A 29-year-old was arrested in Ioannina for posing as a monk and soliciting money from believers. The arrest followed a complaint from the Holy Metropolis of Ioannina.

According to the complaint, the 29-year-old, either wearing robes or in civilian clothes, was asking for money for the construction of monks' cells, without the approval of the Metropolis.

During the search, police found in his possession and at his home a semi-automatic air pistol, handcuffs, a knife, a fake police badge, radios, a folding baton, a beacon, police and hieromonk stamps, and monk's clothing.

The arrested man was taken to the Ioannina Court of First Instance and faces charges of attempted fraud, impersonation, and violations of the law on weapons, fundraising and operation of amateur radio stations.