European Public Prosecutor's Office charges 22 individuals over agricultural fund fraud in Greece

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Athens has filed criminal charges against 22 individuals, including four sitting members of the Greek Parliament, former high-ranking public officials, and political figures. The investigation focuses on an alleged organized fraud scheme involving agricultural subsidies managed by the Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid (OPEKEPE). The charges pertain to illegal activities allegedly committed in 2021. On April 24, 2026, the Greek Parliament approved the lifting of parliamentary immunity for 11 members to facilitate the EPPO's investigation. While charges were filed against four of these lawmakers, the case against seven others has been archived. Evidence suggests systemic corruption, including illegal interference in administrative and audit procedures, retroactive data modification, and the falsification of inspection reports. The EPPO continues to examine potential criminal acts within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding framework.