EPPO indicts 22 over Greek farm subsidy scandal
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens has indicted 22 people, including four members of the Greek parliament and several former public officials, over alleged fraud involving EU agricultural subsidies.
Three MPs are accused of instigating abuse of trust, while another faces charges related to the unlawful management of European Union funds, false certification and attempted computer fraud. Allegations against seven other serving MPs were dismissed.
Investigation targets OPEKEPE officials
The defendants also include former senior officials of Greece’s Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aids (OPEKEPE), including its former president, former director general for direct payments and two former regional directors.
EPPO said investigations uncovered alleged patterns of corruption, including interference in inspections, changes to official records, manipulation of inspection results and false certifications linked to agricultural subsidy payments.
The charges concern alleged offenses committed in 2021, while further investigations into other suspects and possible violations in different years are continuing. If convicted, defendants could face prison sentences of up to five years and financial penalties.
