Greece cracks down on suspected agricultural subsidy fraud
Greek authorities are investigating fraudulent claims for EU agricultural subsidies, with thousands of farmers and applicants suspected of falsely securing funds.
While media reports allege tens of millions of euros in annual fraud, the country’s Payment and Control Agency for Community Aid Schemes (OPEKEPE) says only €400,000 is under review, with many flagged applicants either returning funds or never receiving payments.
Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras has ordered stricter audits, and a new bill aims to resolve pastureland mapping issues. Authorities initially flagged 16,000 tax IDs linked to irregular claims, later verifying 7,786 as unique cases. Of those, 1,497 are under judicial review, while financial police investigate 2,767 more.
Tsiaras emphasized the need for strict oversight, stating that the government “cannot risk the flow of European funds” and that “full transparency is essential to ensure subsidies go to those who truly deserve them.”
OPEKEPE insists it enforces strict oversight, but incomplete land registries have created loopholes for fraudulent claims. The agency is cooperating with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, while Greek prosecutors conduct independent investigations.
Kathimerini
