Website leaks 30+ names of allegedly corrupt MPs

A political scandal is brewing in Greece after a list containing the names of more than 30 politicians currently under investigation for corruption by the Financial Crimes Squad (SDOE) was leaked by www.zougla.gr website on Friday. The list includes 11 former ministers, 10 former deputy ministers and 12 former or current MPs who are under investigation on allegations ranging from tax evasion to gaining wealth from illegal activities. Among them is parliamentary speaker Evangelos Meimarakis, who is allegedly under investigation for money laundering through shady real estate deals, Realnews weekly reported. Those named are presumed innocent until proven guilty, zougla.gr website specified. Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is expected to make an official statement today, according to ekathimerini.com online daily. The leak comes ahead of next week's parliamentary vote on a tough new austerity package mandated by the EU-ECB-IMF troika, on which Greece's permanence within the eurozone might depend.