Legal proceedings begin for OPEKEPE subsidy fraud in Northern Greece

Judicial hearings have commenced for 17 individuals charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme involving European agricultural subsidies administered by OPEKEPE in Northern Greece. The group is accused of orchestrating a criminal organization active since 2019 that caused losses exceeding 4.5 million euros to European Union and Greek state interests. Charges include leading or participating in a criminal organization, felony-level fraud against EU financial interests, complicity, and money laundering. On the first day of hearings in Thessaloniki, seven of the twelve defendants who appeared were released under restrictive conditions, including a travel ban. These seven suspects denied all allegations and presented evidence claiming they were the legitimate holders of the land parcels in question. One defendant was granted a delay to testify with the second group, while four others remained under examination. The remaining suspects, including those alleged to hold leadership roles, are scheduled to appear before the European investigator tomorrow.