New details have emerged in the ongoing OPEKEPE subsidy scandal, as Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority uncovered millions of euros in allegedly undeclared assets linked to a jailed farmers’ union leader from Crete who is affiliated with the ruling New Democracy party.
The union leader, who is already in prison over a case involving illegal agricultural subsidies distributed through OPEKEPE — Greece’s Payment Authority for European Union farm funds — is now accused of concealing assets totaling approximately €8 million.
Alleged False or Missing Asset Declarations
According to findings from the independent authority’s investigation, the accused either failed to submit mandatory “pothen esches” declarations — sworn statements disclosing the origin of assets — or filed declarations that allegedly contained inaccurate information.
In Greece, individuals holding certain public or union positions are required to file these asset disclosures to ensure transparency and prevent illicit enrichment.
Authorities reviewed financial data covering the period from 2019 to 2023 and concluded that substantial assets may have been omitted from official filings.
Wife’s Assets Also Under Scrutiny
The investigation also examined the financial records of the union leader’s wife for 2023 and 2024. Officials suspect that roughly €2.5 million in assets were not declared during that time.
Based on these findings, the head of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority forwarded the case file to the First Instance Prosecutor’s Office in Heraklion, Crete, for potential criminal action.
The file will also be sent to Greece’s Court of Audit, which has the authority to impose financial penalties related to undeclared property.
