Shocking revelations about illegal subsidy schemes within OPEKEPE are emerging, as authorities uncover an extensive network involving dozens of individuals across Crete and Northern Greece. The 22 arrested suspects allegedly involved in the illegal agricultural subsidies case were brought to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office following a major operation by Crete’s Organized Crime Unit in Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. The case involves an alleged organized criminal network that, according to authorities, caused approximately €3 million in damages to the financial interests of the European Union and the Greek state.
Read more: OPEKEPE: Criminal organization and fraud charges for 22 Crete arrests
How the OPEKEPE illegal subsidies network operated in Crete
The defendants are expected to testify on Friday and Saturday before the Greek investigating magistrate, while the case file includes a total of 138 individuals. Among those arrested are two accountant brothers from Rethymno, allegedly the organization’s leaders, as well as owners of Declaration Reception Centers (KYD), property lessors, and individuals who appeared as subsidy beneficiaries.
Of particular interest is the role of a deputy mayor from a Crete region, who allegedly served as a KYD supervisor and is considered among the main defendants. According to authorities, those involved allegedly identified undeclared or available agricultural plots, mainly in island areas, utilizing access to geospatial data and OPEKEPE land maps. Subsequently, individuals would appear as tenants or lessors of these properties to submit applications for illegal subsidies just before deadline expiration.
Authorities estimate that approximately 70 people appeared as tenants, while at least 17 individuals allegedly provided personal TAXISnet codes to declare properties that were either undeclared or didn’t belong to them. After subsidy payments were made, the amounts were allegedly distributed according to each participant’s role.
The defendants face charges for forming and joining a criminal organization, directing a criminal organization, grant fraud against the financial interests of the European Union and Greek state, and conspiracy to commit fraud.
OPEKEPE: What those involved claim about the case
For their part, those implicated deny any connection to the case. The deputy mayor allegedly maintains he has “no relationship or involvement,” citing police authorities’ lack of knowledge about how the process works. He also claims the case file is “eloquent and revealing.” Similarly, agronomists and a producer allegedly involved declare they have no connection to the case and that the perception has been influenced by the surrounding atmosphere, while additionally claiming there is no illegality and that all documents are based on the relevant government gazette governing the procedures.
New revelations: Second network in Northern Greece with €4.5 million damages
Meanwhile, cross-checks regarding OPEKEPE revealed another illegal subsidies network operating in Northern Greece. According to sources, more than 300 people are included in the case file, while 17 arrests have already been made. The damage to the organization is estimated to exceed €4.5 million, with investigations in full progress. Those arrested are expected to be brought to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office this morning.
