Maria Karra remains tenacious in the ongoing inheritance drama surrounding the estate of the late journalist George Trangas, a battle that has lasted for over three and a half years. Alongside her, Yiannis Trangas plays a pivotal role in this unfolding saga.
This Thursday, both parties are set to convene in Monaco to address the appeal filed by the journalist’s widow against the First Instance Court’s ruling from last March.
While the court won’t address the merits of the case, it will consider an objection from Yiannis Trangas’ legal team, which contends that the Principality’s courts lack the necessary jurisdiction to review matters concerning the deceased journalist’s estate.
The First Instance Court had determined that both the son of the publisher and the Greek government, which supported his position, successfully established that George Trangas was a resident of Greece, contrary to his widow’s claims.
Following the appeal hearing on Thursday and the decision to be made, a new legal phase will commence for Maria Karra in September. This involves felony charges related to inaccuracies in her asset declarations (“pothen esches”) and failing to submit these declarations between 2017 and 2022. She provided her testimony in August 2023.
In addition to her statements to the investigating authorities, she has submitted a memorandum detailing her perspective and has posted bail of €50,000, the maximum amount applicable in such investigations.
Her attorneys will need to address the felony charges raised by the relevant audit and judicial authorities in September.
Asset Freezes in France
After her legal setback in Monaco—where she could not substantiate claims of permanent residency—Maria Karra encountered another asset freeze affecting her properties in France.
This freeze, initiated by financial prosecutors Eleni Papadopoulou and Dimitris Apostolas, followed the discovery of significant felony offenses as documented in order No. 1/2025 on February 17th.
The order resulted in the freezing of three properties belonging to George Trangas’ estate in France: an apartment near Avenue Phos, a villa in Nice that the widow labeled as her primary residence, and a villa in the renowned Saint-Tropez.
Additionally, the Greek tax authority (AADE), in a report finalized on April 3rd by the General Directorate of Tax Audits, performed an income tax audit on Maria Karra and revoked her status as a permanent foreign resident.
The AADE’s findings clarify that the journalist’s widow is now considered a tax resident of Greece, broadening the scope of the audit beyond the inheritance issues.
The Greek government has sought judicial assistance from authorities in Monte Carlo to investigate Maria Karra’s bank accounts and safety deposit boxes in her new capacity as a Greek resident, but no response has been received as of yet.
Her assets in Greece were frozen due to allegations of tax evasion and money laundering, followed shortly by the freezing of her three French properties.
Paris, Nice, and Saint-Tropez
The magnitude of George Trangas’ assets, which include around 17 properties both in Greece and abroad, along with significant bank deposits and safety deposit boxes in Monaco, was largely unknown to the public.
However, the villa in Nice, where Maria Karra asserted she lived, had garnered widespread attention. Located next to the home of Sir Elton John, this villa boasts breathtaking views and luxurious amenities; it was the first of the three properties to be frozen, preventing the widow from utilizing it.
As reported by protothema.gr, the villa had previously been listed for rent on a platform similar to Airbnb, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning Côte d’Azur.
Similarly, the villa purchased by George Trangas in the popular Saint-Tropez resort—a long-time favorite of international celebrities—was also put on hold. Worth €2.5 million, the purchase was financed through a €1.8 million loan from EFG Bank in Monaco. The villa, which is just steps away from the beach, accommodates six guests, features a swimming pool, and had been managed and rented out by Maria Karra in recent years.
Finally, the apartment in central Paris, situated near Avenue Phos and valued at over €3 million, was also subjected to the freezing order by financial prosecutors.
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