A preliminary investigation has been launched by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into subsidy payments allegedly received by Kalliopi Semertzidou, a member of Greece’s New Democracy party, and members of her family.
According to reports, Semertzidou and seven of her relatives are believed to have received agricultural subsidies totaling €2.5 million between 2019 and 2024. The case revolves around funds disbursed by OPEKEPE, the Hellenic Payment Authority for Common Agricultural Policy Aid Schemes.
The probe follows a media report that raised questions about the legitimacy of the subsidies granted in the Thessaly region. In response, the EPPO has initiated a fact-finding process to determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
A critical element of the investigation will be the findings of Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority. The authority has already conducted a search at the OPEKEPE offices and collected data on approximately ten individuals suspected of receiving questionable subsidies in the same region.
The Greek branch of the EPPO continues its broad inquiry, with the case drawing significant attention in both judicial and political circles. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to establish whether European funds were misused.
