European Public Prosecutor's Office investigates subsidy fraud case in Crete

Legal proceedings have commenced before the European Delegated Prosecutor regarding a criminal organization accused of embezzling agricultural subsidies from OPEKEPE in Crete. Twenty-two individuals are facing charges related to a five-year period of fraud spanning from 2019 to 2024. The estimated financial damage to European Union and national interests exceeds 3 million euros. Among the defendants are two brothers from Rethymno, alleged to be the leaders of the group, and a local deputy mayor. The charges include forming and leading a criminal organization, subsidy fraud exceeding 120,000 euros, and complicity in fraud. While some reports suggest twelve individuals were released, the formal judicial process involving 22 suspects remains ongoing with testimonies scheduled across multiple days. The accused parties must respond to these serious allegations, which concern the systematic deception of the EU Common Agricultural Policy payment agency.