Antonis Remos Under Investigation for Tax Evasion and Money Laundering
The well-known singer Antonis Remos is being investigated for tax evasion and fictitious transactions amounting to 1.8 million euros, according to the conclusion of the Money Laundering Authority. Consequently, money laundering is identified as an accompanying offense.
Transactions Under Scrutiny
In the relevant report, it is stated that, according to information from the Authority, the following transactions took place among the listed individuals and entities:
- Antonis Paschalidis (Antonis Remos) – Administrator of A. Paschalidis & SFA O.E.
- Vassilis Zikou – Administrator of Olympic Energy Single Person IKE
- Constantinos Piladakis – Administrator of Vicom Emporiki and Participations S.A.
- Thanasis Katselis
From 19/04/2022 to 22/06/2022, six remittances totaling 1.8 million euros were credited to the personal account of Antonis Paschalidis (Antonis Remos) from Thanasis Katselis. The report details the transactions as follows:
- 19/04/2022: 200,000 euros
- 19/04/2022: 200,000 euros
- 19/04/2022: 150,000 euros
- 10/05/2022: 950,000 euros
- 22/06/2022: 200,000 euros
- 22/06/2022: 100,000 euros
Subsequent transfers from the same account included:
- 19/04/2022 and 27/04/2022: 400,000 euros to Vicom Emporiki and Participations S.A. (200,000 euros each)
- 11/05/2022: 450,000 euros to Olympic Energy Single Person IKE
Justifications Provided
According to the conclusion, the reasons given for these actions were:
- Antonis Paschalidis (Antonis Remos) intended to purchase the share capital of Anemos Styraion MON S.A. from Olympic Energy Single Person IKE for 450,000 euros.
- An agreement was made for the subsequent sale of Anemos Styraion MON S.A. shares from Antonis Paschalidis to Thanasis Katselis for 5 million euros, which was not completed due to Katselis’ withdrawal.
- A loan from Antonis Paschalidis to the company of Constantinos Piladakis.
Background and Legal Actions
The investigation began following a publication revealing serious suspicions of tax evasion and money laundering by a well-known singer. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority had already seized his movable and immovable property.
The singer’s lawyers, Stathis Bakalis and Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, conveyed his statement in which Antonis Remos claimed he has never committed tax evasion. He criticized the authorities for leaking confidential procedural information, which he said exposed him. He also expressed surprise that he was never asked to provide evidence proving his innocence.
The Anti-Money Laundering Authority’s investigation reportedly lasted several months. The seizure of his assets occurred after auditors allegedly discovered discrepancies in his and his company’s financial activities, which were unrelated to his artistic pursuits.
Last Friday, Antonis Remos made a public statement for the first time under his name, reiterating his innocence and criticizing the Authority for leaks and false information. He emphasized, “I have categorically never committed tax evasion. I have undergone many audits by tax authorities without any criminal behavior being established.”
He concluded by saying, “I am not accused; I am being investigated,” and stated his willingness to cooperate fully with the audit process. He awaits the filing of his case, which includes 20 pages of findings, evidence, and diagrams documenting the case. This conclusion was sent to financial prosecutors a month ago.
The investigation also revealed that Antonis Remos owns a company importing coffee, which auditors suggested could be used for money laundering, though no further details were provided. Additionally, it was found that PAE Heraklis owes 13 million euros, and Antonis Remos, a former president of the club, has not paid any of his share.
