Police operation in Crete targets OPEKEPE subsidy fraud

Greek police have launched a major operation across the prefectures of Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi in Crete, as well as in Attica, to dismantle a criminal organization involved in fraudulent OPEKEPE subsidy claims. Authorities have arrested at least 20 individuals, including two accountants and three managers of Agricultural Cooperation Centers (KYD). The investigation suggests the group has been active for at least five years, accumulating approximately 3 million euros in illegal profits. According to reports, the gang allegedly retained half of the illicitly obtained funds while distributing the remaining portion to the recipients. All suspects are to be brought before the Rethymno Public Prosecutor and subsequently transferred to the European Public Prosecutor's Office. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to process the evidence collected from the multiple search sites.