Phone surveillance reveals corruption in Greek farm subsidy system
A growing scandal involving Greece’s farm subsidy agency, OPEKEPE, has exposed a widespread system of corruption, manipulation, and political interference in the disbursement of EU agricultural funds.
According to Kathimerini, phone surveillance recordings reveal OPEKEPE officials colluding with farmers to rig inspections, shift livestock between herds, and register fake or inflated claims in order to secure subsidies. The revelations suggest not only deep institutional failure but also direct involvement by local politicians and party affiliates.
In multiple recordings, Lefteris Zervos, a vice president of OPEKEPE, is heard coaching farmers and shepherds on how to deceive inspectors—ranging from falsely inflating livestock numbers to complaints about farmers' inability to "even buy ear tags" for sheep. He is also heard advising that livestock inflation is less risky than claiming fictitious land.
The system extended beyond farmers and inspectors:
Inspections were pre-announced, allowing farmers to prepare fraudulent conditions.
Local party officials and MPs intervened on behalf of constituents facing fines.
One enraged farmer, fined €53,000, threatened to kill two agency vice presidents.
Another official was recorded begging a constituent not to assault inspectors but to “talk to them sternly” instead.
The scandal underscores how EU funds meant for agricultural development were funneled into a corrupt network blending bureaucracy, politics, and rural patronage. It also raises serious questions about the oversight and transparency of OPEKEPE—formally known as the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid.
As investigations continue, the Greek government faces pressure from Brussels to restore accountability in its subsidy system or risk further scrutiny over its use of EU funds.
