Paris Hilton’s fiancé has a family with a colorful past.

Paris Latsis changed his last name from Kasidokostas and took on his mother’s maiden name — reportedly to evoke the fabulous shipping fortune from that side of his family. But some people are wondering whether that was a wise move socially. Latsis’ maternal grandfather, shipping tycoon John Latsis, who died in 2003, was a notorious figure abroad and has been called a Nazi collaborator and a black marketeer.

Latsis was accused of profiteering during World War II and stood trial for collaborating with the Nazis. He was acquitted, but faced further criticism for his close friendship with Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos, leader of the fascist junta which seized power in Greece in 1967. A biography published in Athens in 1991 was bluntly titled: "John Latsis: Gangster."

In certain social circles, associating with Latsis simply was not done. Prince Charles was scolded by the UK press when he accepted a ride aboard John Latsis’ yacht in 1999. “This unpleasant Greek isn't offering such largesse to Prince Charles out of kindly benevolence,” chided London’s Daily Mail. “He’s doing it because he likes to boast that the future King of England is a friend. . . . But the trip has sickened many of us.”

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