Shocking new details have emerged regarding former Defense Minister Panos Kammenos’s interactions with the alleged head of the Cretan mafia.
A second audio recording, legally intercepted by the Hellenic Police, reveals the former minister’s involvement in the selection of a Metropolitan in Crete and suggests potential political and personal connections with organized crime figures. The recording was published by ProtoThema.gr.
In the first released audio, Kammenos discussed with the alleged mafia leader the support of a specific Archimandrite for election as Metropolitan of Chania. At the time, the former minister claimed that he never met the individual in person and took no action regarding the request.
However, the new recording appears to show Kammenos assuring that the request for Archimandrite Melchisedek to become Metropolitan of Kydonias and Apokoronos “was submitted immediately… I sent it to Trump’s team.” The recording also reveals that during the SYRIZA-ANEL government, Kammenos was under surveillance, with bugs reportedly placed in curtains, lamps, and electrical outlets—highlighting a broader context of political monitoring.
The conversation further details changes in police leadership, court battles, and personal conflicts, while the alleged mafia leader elaborates on efforts to influence the Metropolitan election. The recording suggests that in Crete, the election of religious leaders may be affected by political interests and even foreign influence.
The case continues to stir political controversy in Greece and is expected to be added to the ongoing investigation. It raises serious questions about potential links between political figures, organized crime, and foreign involvement in local elections.
