A forensic pathologist and a toxicology professor appeared before an investigating magistrate in the city of Chania on Monday as part of an investigation into a criminal organization that authorities say operated in Crete.
The 58-year-old forensic pathologist from Chania and the 69-year-old toxicology professor from the University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI) arrived at the prosecutor’s office shortly before 11 a.m. to respond to the charges against them.
Both men are accused of accepting bribes, issuing false expert opinions, providing false medical certifications, making false official statements, repeated breach of duty, and money laundering.
Links to Criminal Organization
According to police, the two men assisted a criminal organization dismantled in Chania a year ago that was involved in extortion and the trafficking of drugs and weapons. Authorities also identified 20 additional individuals connected to the broader investigation.
Investigators are examining eight cases in which the suspects altered or attempted to alter forensic and toxicology reports, influencing the outcome of criminal court proceedings.
Police said they have compiled extensive evidence as part of a case file spanning hundreds of pages.
According to previous announcements by the Hellenic Police, two of the cases are directly linked to the major criminal investigation launched last September, while two others are indirectly connected.
Recorded Conversation Cited as Evidence
Authorities state that the criminal network enlisted the forensic pathologist and toxicologist to issue, or attempt to issue, false medical opinions and reports in exchange for payment, with the aim of securing more favorable legal treatment for third parties.
The case file includes recorded conversations that investigators say support the allegations. In one exchange, a lawyer and the toxicologist discuss a payment of €1,200, referring to it as “consulting services.”
The testimony of both defendants is expected to last several hours, after which the investigating magistrate and prosecutor will decide on the next legal steps.
