Greece under 175 EU fraud probes as estimated damage reaches €2.68B
Greece is facing 175 active investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), with estimated financial damage totaling €2.68 billion, according to the agency’s latest annual report.
Of those cases, 117 were launched in 2025 alone, accounting for €1.02 billion in alleged losses. The EPPO investigates crimes against the EU’s financial interests, including misuse of EU funds and VAT or customs fraud.
Where the alleged damage lies
The €2.68 billion figure is split almost evenly:
€1.34 billion linked to expenditure fraud (misuse of EU funds)
€1.33 billion related to revenue fraud (VAT and customs offenses)
€12.3 million tied to other fraud cases
The estimated direct damage to the EU budget stands at €1.33 billion.
Agriculture and rural development programs account for the largest number of Greek cases (53), followed by regional development, recovery funds, migration, research, and other EU-backed sectors.
Judicially, 13 cases are currently in trial, six are under appeal, and two have resulted in final convictions involving 10 individuals.
Political fallout
The findings have sparked strong reactions from opposition parties.
PASOK described the report as a serious blow to Greece’s credibility within the EU. Party spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas said the scale and scope of the investigations present “a particularly negative picture” of governance.
New Left lawmaker Nasos Iliopoulos called Greece the EPPO’s “best customer,” arguing that the €2.68 billion in alleged losses raises major concerns about public oversight and spending priorities.
While the figures reflect ongoing investigations — not final court rulings — the report has intensified debate over corruption and management of EU funds in Greece.
