The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens has initiated legal proceedings against 100 individuals accused of defrauding European Union agricultural funds, resulting in an estimated loss of €2.9 million to the EU budget.
Details of the Indictments
The indictments, filed over recent months, pertain to fraudulent schemes involving pastureland subsidies between 2017 and 2020. The accused, primarily livestock breeders from Crete, allegedly submitted falsified declarations of land ownership or fabricated lease contracts for plots they neither owned nor leased. Notably, many suspects resided in regions different from those stated in their applications.
Breakdown of Cases
- February 2025 Indictment: On February 18, 2025, 64 individuals (56 primary suspects and eight accomplices) were indicted. Their trial is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at the Court of First Instance of Athens.
- January 2025 Indictment: In January 2025, 22 individuals (16 primary suspects and six accomplices) were charged, with their court date set for March 24, 2025.
- 2024 Indictment: An earlier indictment in 2024 involved 14 suspects (eight primary and six accomplices), with proceedings slated for May 30, 2025.
Collectively, these cases represent a significant effort by the EPPO to address fraudulent activities affecting EU financial interests.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, the defendants could face imprisonment of up to five years and monetary fines. The investigations received support from the Financial Crimes Prosecution Department of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime of the Hellenic Police.
Context of Agricultural Subsidy Fraud in Greece
This case is part of a broader pattern of fraudulent claims on EU agricultural subsidies in Greece. In February 2025, Greek authorities investigated numerous cases where applicants allegedly secured funds using false information. While media reports suggested annual frauds amounting to tens of millions of euros, the country’s Payment and Control Agency for Community Aid Schemes (OPEKEPE) reported that €400,000 was under review, with many flagged applicants either returning funds or not receiving payments. Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras emphasized the need for strict oversight to ensure transparency and proper allocation of subsidies.
In another instance, in September 2024, investigations revealed that individuals falsely claimed over €45 million from EU funds for non-existent or leased grazing lands. Some recipients were allegedly notified in advance about inspections, allowing them to stage appearances of active farming operations. These cases have led to numerous court proceedings, highlighting systemic weaknesses within OPEKEPE and raising concerns about the monitoring and control of agricultural subsidies.
EPPO’s Role
The EPPO serves as the independent public prosecution office of the European Union, responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the EU’s financial interests. Its active involvement in these cases underscores the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its financial resources from fraudulent activities.
All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Greek courts of law.
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