Özgür Ferhat slams OPEKEPE Scandal: “Transparency authority silent, political links ominous”
The New Left parliamentary group, led by MP Özgür Ferhat of Rhodope, has brought a major corruption scandal within Greece’s Agricultural Payments and Control Agency (OPEKEPE) to the attention of the Hellenic Parliament.
In a detailed parliamentary question directed to the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture, the group denounces not only the misuse of public and European funds, but also the inaction of Greece’s National Transparency Authority (EAD) and alleged efforts to politically cover up the wrongdoing.
Widespread Fraud with EU Taxpayers’ Money
The inquiry highlights long-running fraudulent activities within OPEKEPE. In regions such as Domokos, Western Fthiotida, and Crete, rocky, inaccessible, and state-owned lands unsuitable for farming were falsely declared as arable through forged lease contracts, allowing perpetrators to illegitimately benefit from EU agricultural subsidies. According to reports, crops such as bananas and melons were declared in high-altitude areas over 800 meters above sea level.
A 2020 official audit by OPEKEPE, along with investigations by media outlets including Alfavita, Lifo, and Documento, revealed that over 20,000 acres of land were fraudulently declared. Furthermore, tax IDs (AFM) belonging to uninvolved individuals were used without consent, and non-existent livestock were added to the system to secure subsidies.
“Frapés” and “Hasápis” – The Shadowy Figures at the Center
A particularly concerning aspect of the scandal is the involvement of individuals known by the code names “Frapés” and “Hasápis” (“Butcher”), alleged to be politically connected and in control of state-licensed Agricultural Declaration Centers (KYD). These figures reportedly increased their registered livestock from 4,885 to 54,681 within nine years, siphoning off substantial EU funds.
Transparency Authority’s Silence Raises Questions
Despite having a clear legal mandate under Law 4622/2019 (Article 83), the National Transparency Authority (EAD) has taken no visible action. This inaction has raised serious doubts about the institution’s independence and accountability, suggesting potential political interference.
Key Questions from the New Left
In his parliamentary motion, Ferhat posed several critical questions:
- Have the asset declarations (pothen esches) of OPEKEPE and ELGA officials been audited? If so, what are the results?
- Have the actions or inactions of EAD executives been investigated?
- Has the Ministry requested an official activity report from EAD?
- Are audits being conducted on KYD centers and political figures connected to the scandal?
- Will the legal framework of EAD be reviewed to ensure greater independence and transparency?
- What measures will be taken to restore public trust and uphold EU confidence in Greek institutions?
Ferhat: “This Is a Serious Threat to Democratic Institutions”
In a public statement, MP Özgür Ferhat said:
“The OPEKEPE scandal is a direct threat to transparency, accountability, and the credibility of our public institutions. The political links and systematic fraud by figures like ‘Frapés’ and ‘Hasápis’ can no longer be ignored. The silence of the Transparency Authority points to an institutional breakdown. The people and Europe have the right to know the truth—and to see justice served.”
The New Left calls on the Greek government to show political will, avoid sweeping the scandal under the rug, and take meaningful steps to protect public and European funds.
