A new era in agricultural subsidies oversight may be dawning following the first large-scale on-site inspection carried out by Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) targeting 195 livestock farmers in the municipality of Mylopotamos, Crete (broader Zonianos area), in relation to subsidy payments. This marks the first inspection of such scope aimed at identifying recipients who do not meet eligibility requirements yet continue to claim subsidies. The operation involved a total of 58 AADE inspectors drawn from across the country, who conducted simultaneous checks at the livestock facilities of the subsidy recipients. Both during the planning and execution phases, the inspections were supported by Hellenic Police (ELAS) units stationed in Crete, which were placed on standby to ensure the unobstructed conduct of the checks. The farmers were notified just a few hours before the inspection, giving them time to gather their livestock and the necessary documentation.
AADE inspection results: Only 75 showed up, violations found in 22 cases
Of the 195 farmers summoned, only 75 — representing just 40% of the sample — turned up for inspection. Among those examined, violations were identified in 22 cases, which — with the help of a specialized algorithm — are being cross-referenced against data already recorded on AADE’s servers. Depending on the final findings, those found in violation risk penalties ranging up to the complete loss of their subsidy entitlements.
