A former journalist, now identifying as a PR agent and travel consultant, has been charged with two felonies following her arrest yesterday. This came after complaints from numerous individuals who alleged she took payments for luxury trips abroad that never materialized. Her latest victims are those who paid for travel to Abu Dhabi to attend the Euroleague Final Four.
She appeared in court on Evelpidon Street, facing charges of felony fraud and money laundering. She requested and was granted a postponement to testify on Tuesday, May 27, and denies all allegations.
The PR agent maintains that the situation is a significant misunderstanding, asserting she will be exonerated. Her attorney, Dimitris Christopoulos, noted they are waiting for the complete case file, which is extensive, to decide on their next steps.
“She has faith in the justice system and believes that the truth will come out,” her lawyer stated, adding that she feels wronged by someone else. “She thinks it’s a large misunderstanding.” When asked if she plans to reimburse the victims, her lawyer indicated she is willing to fulfill any legal obligations.
“She promised us affordable trips, but in the end, we received nothing.”
A lawyer representing some victims, who is also a victim himself, described her tactics: “All the stories are almost identical. She approached us similarly, promised cheap airfare and budget-friendly travel packages, but ultimately delivered nothing.”
A total of 25 individuals have launched a class-action lawsuit, demanding about €90,000 in damages, with the highest individual claim reaching €11,500.
Victims started requesting refunds in November 2024. “Since then, despite several attempts at a settlement, they were unsuccessful,” said the lawyer, explaining that the plaintiffs primarily seek refunds and secondarily wish for the former journalist to face justice, as the case has escalated significantly.
“She said she would return the money — but she never did.”
Victims attended the Evelpidon court complex to share their stories. One woman recounted that the PR agent took €6,000 from her family for a trip they intended to gift their son after his university entrance exams — a trip that never occurred. “This amount covered flights, accommodations, rental cars, transfers, and other services,” she detailed. The payment was made in May 2024 for a trip planned in August. “Initially, we exchanged messages. She promised to refund the money, but that never happened,” the woman lamented.
Dimitris Koltsidas, another alleged victim, described a similar experience. Initially, she organized a trip to Malta and later arranged three affordable short trips in luxury hotels. “That was the bait — to encourage us to introduce her to more people,” he stated.
Those early trips went well; however, problems arose in August during a planned ten-day trip to Iceland. They traveled with a friend who has special needs. “She guaranteed everything, including an electric wheelchair, promising it would be a very special trip,” he recounted. But things went awry. “She only secured last-minute tickets, paid for two nights in a hotel, and left us to fend for ourselves,” he explained. “She kept insisting, ‘be patient, I’m having bank problems,’” he added.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
