Greek police have launched a major operation in Crete targeting an alleged criminal organization accused of subsidy fraud and false declarations linked to agricultural support payments.
The operation, carried out by the Organized Crime Unit of Crete, focused primarily on areas of the Heraklion region and included searches of homes connected to individuals under investigation.
According to a police statement, 20 suspected members of the organization have been arrested so far in the regions of Heraklion, Rethymno and Lasithi. Among those detained are two accountants and three managers of agricultural support service centers involved in processing subsidy applications.
Authorities allege that the group was involved in fraud against the financial interests of the European Union, with the estimated illegal financial benefit exceeding €3 million.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said the operation remains ongoing as investigators continue gathering evidence and examining the activities of the suspected network.
The case centers on alleged fraudulent subsidy claims and false declarations submitted in connection with agricultural funding programs.
Separate Subsidy Case Also Under Scrutiny
The latest operation comes as legal proceedings are set to begin in a separate investigation involving alleged criminal organizations uncovered after a lengthy anti-narcotics probe in Crete.
In a related but distinct case, a 43-year-old man faces allegations connected to agricultural subsidy claims. Prosecutors allege that he declared a larger number of livestock than he actually owned in order to obtain higher subsidy payments. According to reports, he is also accused of asking relatives and acquaintances to temporarily move animals to his property in case of inspections.
The subsidy-related allegations are being handled under a separate case file from the broader criminal investigations.
Authorities noted that there has not yet been an official determination of the precise financial damage or a final assessment fully documenting the alleged fraud attributed to the suspect.
