Athens : Greek authorities arrested 37 individuals in a nationwide operation targeting a criminal network that defrauded the European Union’s agricultural subsidy system, officials confirmed. The uncovering of the Greece EU farm subsidy fraud has shocked many. Meanwhile, the investigation continues across several regions.
The Organised Crime Division conducted raids in Thessaloniki, Pella, Ioannina, Attica, and Crete. According to investigators, the suspects claimed EU farm subsidies using false declarations submitted to OPEKEPE, the agency managing EU-funded agricultural aid under the Common Agricultural Policy, as part of the Greece EU farm subsidy fraud scheme.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) identified 324 individuals as subsidy recipients, which caused a loss of more than €19.6 million to the EU budget. Of these, 42 actively participated in the criminal network. Authorities estimate the group illegally obtained between €5 million and €10 million of the total €20 million in subsidies.
Notably, most suspects have no farming background, and the core group consists of about 10 people. Furthermore, the operation, coordinated with EPPO, concluded an 18-month investigation into the fraud.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, facing political pressure over family ties in Crete, promised to punish the guilty and recover the stolen funds involved in the Greece EU farm subsidy fraud.
“Whatever the political cost, I am not backing down,” he said, warning that Greece risks losing EU subsidies if authorities fail to act.
Several ministers and deputy ministers resigned over alleged involvement in the scandal. In addition, the EU fined Athens €400 million for systemic failures between 2016 and 2023. Greek authorities now face a November 4 deadline to implement a plan preventing further misappropriation.
Overall, the Greece EU farm subsidy fraud case highlights ongoing challenges in protecting public resources. Consequently, authorities are acting swiftly to bring perpetrators to justice and restore confidence in EU-funded programs.
–IANS
