Major police operation in Crete over OPEKEPE subsidy fraud
A major operation by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime has been underway in Crete since Friday morning, targeting those involved in the OPEKEPE subsidy fraud case.
According to the Police, the operation aims to dismantle a criminal organisation accused of defrauding the European Union and the national economy by illegally obtaining agricultural subsidies through false declarations. Raids have been carried out in Archanes, in the Heraklion regional unit—reported to be the group’s base—as well as in central Heraklion, where house searches were conducted.
The operation is taking place as part of a preliminary investigation ordered by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. So far, 14 people have been arrested, while one more suspect is being sought. The 15 are described as the key figures in the case.
In total, 42 individuals are accused of participating in the criminal organisation, which allegedly received €1.7 million in illegal subsidies between 2019 and 2025. Those arrested include accountants, a lawyer, farmers and an agricultural union official who also serves as president of an agricultural cooperative and is alleged to be a leading member of the group.
