The way is paved for a public prosecutor to launch a criminal investigation against right-wing nationalist Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party leader George Karatzaferis following a unanimous decision by the Parliamentary Audit Committee for Parties and Lawmakers on Wednesday. he was accused of owning two offshore companies that were not included in his wealth declaration forms – Catalina International Ltd, that had initially belonged to him and his son, and Homeric TCI that he acquired later.

Right-wing Independent Greeks (ANEL) Deputy Marina Hrysoveloni accused Mr. Karatzaferis of also owning a third offshore company known as Deckrock Ltd.

Greek lawmakers are not allowed to own offshore companies according to a 2003 decision whereas a provision in 2010 bans intermediaries. Furthermore, there are accusations against the party leader concerning involvement in money laundering.

Three money transfers worth 1.65 million euros to a supply company known as Kestrel are also being investigated.

The Parliament Audit Committee unanimously decided to refer Mr. Karatzaferis’ file to the Audit Court to calculate the damage to the Greek State and then to initiate procedures for the seizure of the relevant amounts.

Following the investigation into Mr. Karatzaferis’ assets, the Committee also held separate discussions regarding New Democracy MP Aristeidis Tsiplakos and Telemachos Hytiris who are also being refered to justice so that discrepancies between their declared income and bank accounts worth over 40,000 euros can be investigated.