The individuals alleged to be behind a major subsidy fraud scheme involving OPEKEPE appeared before judicial authorities to provide testimony regarding their role in the case. Prosecutors accuse the suspects of organizing a network that fraudulently obtained millions of euros in agricultural subsidies through false declarations and fabricated claims.
According to investigators, the organization had been operating for several years, exploiting weaknesses in the subsidy application process. Members allegedly identified eligible but undeclared farmland and falsely presented it as land they owned or leased, allowing them to secure agricultural support payments to which they were not entitled.
The investigation culminated in a large police operation across northern Greece and other parts of the country. Authorities arrested multiple suspects, including individuals believed to have held leadership roles within the network. The alleged fraud is estimated to have caused losses of approximately €4.5 million to the European Union and the Greek state.
The case forms part of a broader crackdown on subsidy fraud linked to OPEKEPE. Law enforcement agencies have dismantled several similar networks over the past year, leading to numerous arrests, asset freezes, and criminal prosecutions. Authorities say efforts will continue to identify beneficiaries who received funds illegally and recover any improperly obtained payments.
The accused deny wrongdoing, while the judicial process will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support the charges and proceed to trial.
