Cousin gives scathing testimony against former minister

Nikos Zigras, the cousin of Akis Tsochatzopoulos, on Wednesday issued a damning indictment against the latter in his testimony before a criminal appeals court, saying that the former minister was the final recipient of millions of euros in kickbacks for state defense deals.

Zigras also expressed regret for handling the bribe money that Tsochatzopoulos allegedly received, saying the former Socialist strongman was not honest with him about the source of the money.

“I am the only one of 18 defendants who pleaded guilty,” Zigras said, referring to those implicated in a complex money-laundering network set up by Tsochatzopoulos.

The former minister is serving a 20-year prison sentence for money laundering. Zigras got a reduced sentence of six years after cooperating with judicial authorities.