Members of an alleged criminal group accused of imposing a climate of intimidation in several villages in inland Crete are suspected of illegally obtaining more than 580,000 euros in agricultural subsidies over a five-year period, according to authorities.

The suspects are accused of securing farm subsidies through extortion, land seizures and violent acts targeting landowners and livestock breeders in the areas of Vorizia in Heraklion (Irakleio) prefecture and Amari in Rethymno prefecture.

The case centers on three main suspects from the same family — two brothers, aged 44 and 39, and a 43-year-old relative.

According to state broadcaster ERT, the group allegedly operated an organized network active since 2021 in parts of Rethymno and Heraklion prefectures. Investigators allege the suspects pressured residents into handing over agricultural land, including through fictitious arrangements, so the group could falsely appear as subsidy beneficiaries.

Case files allege that when individuals refused to cooperate, the suspects carried out retaliatory acts and intimidation, causing extensive damage to cropland and private property.

One reported incident in 2022 involved the destruction of around 400 trees and vineyards, including 140 olive trees. In another case, the suspects allegedly set fire to a farm vehicle.

Authorities also allege the group exploited livestock belonging to other individuals by submitting false declarations to obtain subsidies.

The investigation was uncovered following a large-scale operation by Greek Police’s (EL.AS) organized crime unit, often referred to in local media as the “Greek FBI.”

The two brothers appeared before an investigating magistrate and were granted a postponement to testify on Friday. The case file also includes six additional individuals.

The arrests come amid broader scrutiny in Greece over alleged abuse of European Union agricultural subsidies linked to the country’s disgraced and now disbanded agriculture payments agency, OPEKEPE.

Investigations into suspected subsidy fraud networks have taken place across the country, particularly in Crete, where authorities say family-based groups used false land declarations and fictitious livestock claims to secure EU funds.

The wider scandal has intensified political pressure on the government in recent months after European prosecutors expanded probes into alleged misuse of agricultural subsidies involving public officials, lawmakers and organized networks. Greek and European investigators estimate fraudulent claims linked to the broader scheme amounted to tens of millions of euros nationwide.