Greek authorities are investigating a major case involving the discovery of €1.15 million in cash (approximately $1.23 million) found in the trunk of a vehicle belonging to a well-known judo champion. The police have not released his name.
The discovery was made during a routine police stop on the Athens-Corinth national highway, near Kiato. The athlete was arrested and taken to the Attica General Police Directorate (GADA) for questioning before being released as the investigation into the origin of the funds continues. The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, April 22. During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered the cash hidden in plastic supermarket bags.
Following his arrest, the athlete was interrogated throughout the night by officers from the Organized Crime Division. Sources report that the athlete remained calm, providing his own account of the funds’ origins. He claimed, “I collected this money from various businessmen in Attica and was transporting it to another businessman in the Peloponnese.” This statement has become a central focus of the ongoing police investigation.
Authorities are currently exploring three primary scenarios: whether the funds are linked to criminal activity, if the case involves money laundering, and if it relates to large-scale tax evasion.
Although the athlete has a clean criminal record and has not previously been involved in any illicit activity, he is now required to provide formal documentation to prove the legal origin of the substantial sum. The athlete has been released on the condition that he remain available to authorities. He is expected to be summoned again to present supporting evidence.
Simultaneously, the investigation has widened to identify the businessman in the Peloponnese whom the athlete named as the intended recipient. Authorities are working to determine if this was a legitimate business transaction or if it is connected to a larger illegal operation.
