Legal proceedings against 17 suspects in OPEKEPE fraud case

Greek judicial authorities are currently processing 17 suspects accused of operating a criminal organization in Northern Greece involved in fraudulent agricultural subsidies through OPEKEPE. The investigation covers activities between 2019 and 2024, with the estimated financial damage to the European Union and the Greek state totaling 4.5 million euros. Charges include leading a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering. As of the latest court session, three alleged leaders of the group have been remanded in custody. Previously, ten individuals accused of secondary roles were released under restrictive conditions, including a travel ban and mandatory police reporting, with one individual also required to pay bail. Some defendants deny the charges, claiming they were legal owners of the involved agricultural land. The judicial investigation into the alleged fraud is ongoing.