11 Greek MPs face immunity lift request in EU fraud case

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has formally requested that the Greek Parliament lift the parliamentary immunity of 11 current Members of Parliament as part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected organized fraud scheme involving agricultural funds. In addition, five former MPs are also being investigated.

At the same time, the EPPO office in Athens has forwarded information to Parliament concerning the alleged involvement of a former Minister and a Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food.

The request relates to actions that are believed to have taken place in 2021. In order to continue its investigation and fully establish the facts—by examining both incriminating and exonerating evidence—the European Chief Prosecutor submitted the request under Article 29 of the EPPO Regulation.

During the investigation, evidence also emerged suggesting possible involvement of the former Minister and Deputy Minister in connection with their official duties. However, under Article 86 of the Greek Constitution, any such evidence must be immediately transferred to Parliament if it concerns offenses committed by ministers while in office. As a result, the EPPO cannot fully pursue this aspect of the case and must separate this part of the investigation regarding potential criminal responsibility of government members.

No additional details are being released at this time to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation.

All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Greek courts.