The court did not grant a suspension of the sentences for Dimitris Koutsolioutsos, Giorgos Koutsolioutsos, Aikaterini Koutsolioutsou, and Ioannis Begeitis. However, it accepted the defense’s request for Dimitris and Aikaterini Koutsolioutsos to serve their sentences under house arrest due to their age.
In contrast, Giorgis Koutsolioutsos was sent back to prison (he had previously been detained during the investigation phase). The court’s decision regarding Giorgos Koutsolioutsos was based on the specific characteristics of his criminal acts, their duration, and the method employed. It also assessed that releasing him posed a risk of reoffending.
Regarding the other two convicted associates of the Koutsolioutsos family, the court decided not to grant a suspension of the sentence for Ioannis Begeitis, who remains a fugitive. When apprehended, he will be imprisoned. The second convicted associate was granted a suspension of her sentence. She was subjected to the conditions of a travel ban, mandatory monthly appearances at a police station, and a bail of 10,000 euros.
Sentences Imposed by the Court
- Dimitris Koutsolioutsos: 17 years of imprisonment.
- Giorgos Koutsolioutsos: 11 years of imprisonment.
- Aikaterini Koutsolioutsou: 10 years of imprisonment.
The court also imposed the following sentences on the two other convicted associates of the Koutsolioutsos family: E.N. received 10 years of imprisonment, and the fugitive Ioannis Begeitis received 15 years of imprisonment.
The Verdict
Yesterday, the Three-Member Felony Court, which has been hearing the case since last June, announced its verdict on the guilt of the accused. All 11 defendants were acquitted of the charges of forming, directing, and participating in a criminal organization.
The court then announced Dimitris Koutsolioutsos’s guilt for instigating forgery, fraud, market manipulation, money laundering, and misuse of privileged information.
Aikaterini Koutsolioutsou was found guilty of aiding and abetting fraud, market manipulation, and money laundering.
Giorgis Koutsolioutsos was acquitted of instigating forgery but was found guilty of fraud, market manipulation, and money laundering.
The convicted associate of the Koutsolioutsos family was found guilty of aiding and abetting forgery, fraud, market manipulation, and money laundering.
The fugitive Ioannis Begeitis was found guilty of forgery, aiding and abetting fraud, market manipulation, and money laundering.
The remaining six defendants were acquitted of all charges. Notably, the court’s decision was unanimous.
Recognition of Mitigating Factors
The court recognised the mitigating factor of a previously lawful life for the five defendants found guilty. Specifically, this mitigating factor was recognized for Dimitris, Giorgis, and Aikaterini Koutsolioutsos, as well as their two associates. Additionally, Giorgis Koutsolioutsos was granted the mitigating factor of having alleviated the consequences of his actions. The trial is expected to continue tomorrow with the court’s final decision on the sentences.
