Four deputy ministers implicated in OPEKEPE corruption scandal
The corruption investigation into Greece’s agricultural subsidy agency, OPEKEPE, continues to deepen, with serious political ramifications. A 3,000-page file submitted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to the Hellenic Parliament reportedly implicates four current deputy ministers from the ruling government.
According to national media reports, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance Christos Boukoros, Deputy Ministers of Agriculture Christos Kellas and Dionysis Stamenitis, and Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou were allegedly intercepted in wiretapped conversations. These officials, along with several MPs, are accused of making unlawful requests to OPEKEPE officials.
Former Ministers of Agriculture Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis are also under investigation for possible criminal liability related to the misuse of EU agricultural funds.
Opposition parties claim the Prime Minister’s office was aware of the alleged misconduct and are calling for the investigation to be continued within Parliament. The government, however, has urged for patience and cautioned against premature conclusions.
The scandal also touches on PASOK MP Fragiskos Parasiris and SYRIZA MP Vasilis Kokkalis, both of whom have denied any involvement.
Leaked recordings allegedly reveal discussions about providing unauthorized support to farmers, circumventing inspections, and manipulating crop declarations.
Meanwhile, the government has announced the beginning of talks with the European Commission regarding the potential transfer of OPEKEPE’s powers to Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). The first meeting is scheduled for next week.
