Police conduct operation in Crete over 3 million euro OPEKEPE fraud case

Greek police have arrested at least 20 individuals, including an active deputy mayor, accountants, and officials from Application Submission Centers (KYD), in connection with a major fraud scheme involving OPEKEPE subsidies. The operation, coordinated by the Organized Crime Investigation Directorate under the orders of the European Public Prosecutor, spans the regions of Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi, and Attica. Authorities allege the group has operated for at least five years, illegally obtaining approximately 3 million euros in subsidies. While investigators report that the organization kept half of the diverted funds, legal counsel for some suspects has criticized the operation, denying that the KYD centers are criminal organizations and arguing they have no responsibility for verifying the legality of declarations. Discrepancies exist regarding the transport of the suspects, with some reports citing the Rethymno Prosecutor's Office and others the European Public Prosecutor in Athens. The suspects are expected to face felony charges as the investigation continues. Defense attorneys claim the process is being handled with an unnecessary focus on public perception.