OPEKEPE scandal: Ancient site of Philippi declared as pastureland
A new twist has emerged in the ongoing OPEKEPE scandal, as it appears that certain networks continue exploiting loopholes for illegal subsidies, despite active investigations into fraudulent tax numbers.
According to recent reports, a Declaration Reception Center (KYD) in Girit (Crete) submitted an application for 400 acres of pastureland within the archaeological site of Philippi in Kavala, raising serious concerns. OPEKEPE sources note that similar cases are detected every year and are thoroughly investigated.
Illegal Declarations and a “Common Secret”
Nikos Kakavas, president of the Federation of Geotechnical Employees, emphasized that Girit-based KYDs continue registering pastures in other parts of Greece.
“Just today, a KYD from Crete declared 400 acres in Philippi—an archaeological and state-owned site,” he said.
Although this particular KYD is reportedly under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, it continues to operate normally, submitting questionable land claims. “The investigation is ongoing, but they don’t seem to learn. We will put an end to this,” Kakavas added.
Local OPEKEPE sources in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace confirmed: “Such cases are discovered every year. They are investigated, audited, and often lead to penalties and sanctions.”
Meanwhile, Giorgos Tsifetakis, president of the Agricultural Association of Sitia, described these practices as an “open secret” and called for full transparency:
“Many found ways and tricks to exploit the system, and we have been irreparably exposed,” he said.
Expanding to Beekeeping and New Investigations
According to data revealed by OPEN TV, the scheme has also extended into organic beekeeping. Out of 500,000 beehives declared, only 246,000 were verified to exist—less than half.
Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, speaking on the show “10 Pantou”, stated that the government is now investigating the modus operandi of the criminal groups behind the fraud.
“We are moving forward in uncovering how these networks operated and how the theft was carried out,” he said, stressing that the ultimate goal is to identify all those involved and deliver justice.
(Source: Ethnos.gr)
