A large-scale police operation targeting alleged agricultural subsidy fraud has led to dozens of arrests and uncovered what authorities describe as an organized criminal network that caused losses exceeding €4.5 million to both the European Union and the Greek state.
The investigation, conducted by Greece’s Organized Crime Unit, focused on suspected fraud involving agricultural subsidies distributed through OPEKEPE, the country’s agricultural payments agency. Police carried out coordinated raids in Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Serres and Athens, resulting in the arrest of 17 active members of the alleged organization, including six individuals identified by investigators as key leaders.
According to police, the criminal case file includes 317 suspects in total. Authorities allege that 302 individuals illegally received subsidy payments, while another 15 submitted false applications that were ultimately rejected.
How the Alleged Scheme Operated
Investigators say the network had been active since 2019 and operated through a structured hierarchy. Members allegedly exploited weaknesses in the subsidy application process by falsely declaring agricultural land as eligible for financial support.
Authorities claim that undeclared plots of land were presented as leased properties, despite there being no legitimate rental agreements. In many cases, the purported landlords either did not own the land in question or had no connection to the properties listed in applications.
More than 1,500 individuals reportedly appeared in applications as landowners or lessors. Investigators also identified cases involving temporary property declarations that were later removed from official records.
False Documents and Fabricated Claims
Police allege that the organization modified its methods in 2025 by declaring land as either owned or leased from relatives of members. To support the applications, investigators say the group submitted fraudulent or irrelevant documents, including unsigned agreements, photocopied leases, blank pages and paperwork allegedly created after the reported death of a supposed landowner.
Authorities believe senior members coordinated the operation, recruited participants and managed bank accounts that received subsidy payments. Other members allegedly allowed their accounts to be used for transfers and cash withdrawals, while applicants received a portion of the funds.
Cash, Gold and Vehicles Seized
The financial investigation traced extensive banking activity linked to the alleged scheme. According to police, subsidy payments were initially deposited into applicants’ accounts before being transferred to senior members through bank transactions or cash withdrawals.
Authorities estimate the total financial damage at more than €4.5 million.
During searches of eight homes and two subsidy application centers, police seized:
- €302,825 in cash
- 18 gold coins
- 12 passenger vehicles
- One motorcycle
- Five tractors and additional agricultural machinery
- Mobile phones, computers and digital storage devices
- Business stamps and official documents
- Handwritten notes containing third-party tax identification credentials
- Numerous lease agreements and declarations linked to the investigation
Police also froze bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and real estate assets connected to suspects.
The 17 arrested individuals have been referred to the competent prosecutorial authorities, while the broader investigation into the subsidy fraud network remains ongoing.
