Four Greek MPs Charged in Multimillion-Euro EU Farm Subsidies Fraud
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesThe European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has charged four sitting Greek Members of Parliament and 18 other individuals in a major investigation into alleged fraud involving EU agricultural subsidies.
The case centres on claims that dozens of farmers, with the alleged assistance of state employees and politicians, falsified documents to claim millions of euros in EU funds.
According to the EPPO, the total loss to the European Union is estimated at over €19.6 million (approximately US$22.5 million). Greek authorities had previously assessed the damages at a minimum of €23 million.
The Alleged Scheme
The investigation, which has been ongoing for several years, alleges that individuals exaggerated the number of animals on farms, claimed ownership of grazing land they did not possess, and submitted false declarations to secure subsidies through the Greek government agency OPEKEPE.
Some recipients of payments reportedly had no connection to agriculture at all.
Political Fallout
The scandal has already led to ministerial resignations and parliamentary inquiries. It has also placed significant pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whose family has deep political roots in Crete, where part of the alleged fraud took place.
Following the EPPO’s announcement, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that the four indicted MPs are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis criticised the EPPO, suggesting it was interfering in domestic political matters ahead of next year’s elections.
Background
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which began operations in 2021, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests.
The charges come shortly after Greek police dismantled a criminal network on Crete accused of helping farmers submit fraudulent applications for EU funds.
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