Lawyer: "Martikas was given money to gamble"

The lawyer of the businessman accused of leading a ring of fake casino investors stated that Spyros Martikas received money to gamble.

The businessman and his alleged second-in-command were remanded in custody with the agreement of the investigator and prosecutor. The businessman's lawyer, Dimitris Avlonitis, claimed that his client is addicted to gambling and that Martikas benefited financially from him.

According to Mr. Avlonitis, Martikas initially received 25,000 euros, which turned into 35,000 euros, and then received another 35,000 euros, which turned into 50,000 euros. "That is 100% of the money in one month. Why did he benefit? He gave him the money to play," he stated.

On her part, Spyros Martikas' lawyer, Stavroula Antigoni Prili, stated that she has filed a statement in support of the prosecution and that her client will testify about the origin of the money he lost, if called upon.