A major scandal involving fraudulent EU agricultural subsidies has rocked Greece, exposing deep flaws in the oversight of European funds.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating millions of euros in illicit subsidies allegedly obtained through fake land claims and false declarations. Centered on Crete and the Greek Payment Authority (OPEKEPE), the probe points to a sophisticated, organized network, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
Crete at the Heart of the Scandal
The investigation focuses on Crete, where over €2.9 million in fraudulent subsidies—roughly 80% of the total—were disbursed from 2020 to 2022. Hellenic Police raids targeted OPEKEPE offices in Athens and Crete, seizing documents and digital records. The fraud involved “ghost” pastures—nonexistent or unleased land—claimed by individuals with no agricultural ties using forged lease agreements. The scheme’s scale and repeated tactics suggest a coordinated network, possibly involving OPEKEPE insiders.
A History of Mismanagement
Greece has a troubled record with EU fund misuse. Past cases include inflated livestock counts in the 1990s and a 2018 probe recovering €1.2 million in northern Greece. A 2023 investigation in Thessaly uncovered €500,000 in fraudulent olive grove claims. The current scandal, however, is notable for its audacity and scope, highlighting ongoing weaknesses in Greece’s oversight systems despite digital reforms.
E PPO's Crackdown
EPPO prosecutor Popi Papandreou is leading the investigation, and criminal proceedings have been launched against approximately 100 suspects, including farmers, intermediaries, and administrators. Charges include fraud against EU financial interests, with potential fines, asset freezes, and repayment demands. The probe extends to banks, accounting firms, and agronomists suspected of enabling the fraud through falsified applications.
OPEKEPE’s Failures and Political Repercussions
OPEKEPE’s inability to detect the fraud, despite digital safeguards, has drawn intense criticism. Opportunists, dubbed “monkey farmers,” exploited the system, sidelining legitimate producers. The scandal may spark a political backlash, with accusations of negligence or complicity aimed at OPEKEPE and local Cretan authorities.
Looking Ahead
The EPPO is expanding its investigation beyond Crete and Attica, targeting connections between repeat offenders and enablers in the financial and agricultural sectors. As prosecutors map the fraud network, more seizures and interrogations are expected. The scandal exposes systemic issues in Greece’s agricultural sector, eroding trust in national and EU institutions meant to support sustainable development.
Image: EPPO post on X
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