Story perspectives

Convicted Duo Accused Novartis Officials in Scandalous Case

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Philistor Destempasides and Maria Maragelli were convicted for falsely accusing former Greek officials linked to Novartis.
Destempasides received a 25-month suspended sentence, while Maragelli received 33 months, both pending appeal.
Their accusations, targeting figures like former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, lacked evidence.
The case, deemed a major scandal by former Premier Alexis Tsipras, collapsed due to insufficient witness proof.
Novartis previously settled with US authorities for $345 million in 2020 over corrupt practices.

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Story summary

Philistor Destempasides and Maria Maragelli were convicted for falsely accusing former Greek officials linked to Novartis.
Destempasides received a 25-month suspended sentence, while Maragelli received 33 months, both pending appeal.
Their accusations, targeting figures like former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, lacked evidence.
The case, deemed a major scandal by former Premier Alexis Tsipras, collapsed due to insufficient witness proof.
Novartis previously settled with US authorities for $345 million in 2020 over corrupt practices.