Police dismantle criminal organization involved in OPEKEPE subsidy fraud

Greek authorities have dismantled a criminal organization operating in Kozani and Agrinio, accused of defrauding the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE). The group allegedly secured illegal agricultural subsidies by submitting false applications for public land, often involving relatives and colleagues. Investigations indicate that 39 individuals are involved in the scheme, with 13 suspects arrested during the recent operation codenamed 'Therismos'. Law enforcement reported illegal financial gains exceeding 2.5 million euros, while other judicial reports covering a period from 2019 to 2024 estimate the total damage to the European Union and the Greek state at 4.5 million euros. The suspects face charges including directing a criminal organization, fraud against EU financial interests, and money laundering. As of the latest court proceedings, several individuals have been released with restrictive conditions such as travel bans and mandatory police reporting, while those identified as leaders remain under judicial scrutiny. Investigations into tax violations connected to the scheme are ongoing.