A major police operation is underway in the village of Vorizia on the Greek island of Crete, where authorities have arrested three members of the same family in connection with an alleged scheme involving illegal agricultural subsidies, extortion and property damage.
According to Greek police, the suspects — an uncle and his two nephews — are believed to have been part of an organized group that illegally occupied farmland and falsely declared the plots as their own in applications for state agricultural subsidies.
Investigators estimate the group received around €580,000 in payments through the scheme.
The operation is being led by Greece’s Organized Crime Unit, often referred to locally as the “Greek FBI.” Authorities describe the case as particularly serious and say the family had already been under investigation for some time.
Police sources said the suspects allegedly targeted agricultural land belonging to other owners. When landowners refused to cooperate or hand over the plots, they reportedly faced threats and intimidation. In several cases, authorities say, significant damage was caused to private property.
The financial losses linked to the group’s alleged activities are estimated to exceed €200,000.
The three suspects are facing charges including participation in a criminal organization, fraud, extortion, arson and property damage. Investigators are also examining the extent of allegedly fraudulent land declarations submitted over recent years.
Under orders from prosecutors, the investigation is now expanding across Crete to determine whether additional individuals may have been involved in the alleged network.
At the same time, police also carried out three additional arrests in separate livestock theft cases.
