Greece: investigations opened on a children's NGO for fraud and alleged violence

The headquarters of the NGO Kivotos tou Kosmou (Arche du Monde, in French) in Athens, November 21, 2022. © LOUISA GOULIAMAKI / AFP

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1 min

Investigations for fraud and accusations of violence and sexual abuse have been opened against Kivotos tou Kosmou (the Ark of the World, in French).

This NGO has hosted hundreds of children since its foundation in 1998 and has received numerous awards, such as the European Citizens' Prize in 2018.

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With our correspondent in Athens,

The notoriety of the NGO Kivotos tou Kosmou contributes in Greece to the widespread media coverage of the accusations against it and the legal proceedings in progress.

As revealed by the local press, a first investigation was thus opened against Kivotos tou Kosmou, five months ago.

It then concerned simple administrative irregularities.

It was only later that, in this context, two testimonies evoking sexual violence emerged and led to the opening of another preliminary investigation.  

Although the facts have not yet been established, the atmosphere of suspicion surrounding the affair prompted the Greek State to proceed as early as last week with a change of the board of directors and the management of the NGO.

Millions in donations

The Greek Prime Minister, who evokes a “ 

 ” file, affirmed that above all, Athens seeks to “ 

 ” of Kivotos tou Kosmou.

In question, presumptions of fraud relating to large cash receipts.

In this case, the donation of several million euros in the space of five years, mainly from private donors.

►Also read: Guest France - Scandal of "stolen" children in Mali: "Alerts were issued and remained ignored by the Quai d'Orsay"

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