OPEKEPE Scandal: 1,036 Tax IDs Illegally Pocket €22.6 Million – Assets Frozen

The case of illegal agricultural subsidies at OPEKEPE has shaken Greek society, with Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, announcing the discovery of serious irregularities and the implementation of measures to protect public funds.

“The State cannot tolerate the exploitation of valuable public and European resources, which are intended to support the agricultural economy and not for illegal enrichment,” the minister emphasized.

Numbers that Speak for Themselves

Official data reveal that 6,354 tax IDs have been investigated, with 1,036 cases identified involving amounts exceeding €22.6 million. The assets of the responsible parties have already been frozen to ensure legality and transparency.

The investigation covers the period 2019–2024 and includes the extraction of digital data from 819,620 subsidy applications, aiming to uncover cases of fraud and falsification regarding land ownership, livestock, and subsidy claims.

Methods of Fraud and Organized Activity

The investigation exposed multiple fraudulent methods:

• False declarations of land or livestock ownership
• Submission of claims on behalf of deceased individuals or from outside the official residence or business location
• Organized groups collaborating to defraud the subsidy system

“Our duty is to detect and punish illegal activity, ensuring transparency and legality,” Chrysochoidis stated, highlighting the creation of a special unit from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime to continue the investigation.

State on High Alert for Transparency

The probe is conducted under prosecutorial supervision and aims not only to identify the perpetrators but also to investigate the potential involvement of organized groups. The government has expressed determination to protect public funds and send a strong message against illegal enrichment.

“Legality and security are a shared responsibility – between the State and Society. Only then can we build a better future,” the minister concluded, setting the stage for continued investigations.

The OPEKEPE scandal highlights the ongoing need for strict monitoring of agricultural subsidies and exposes organized fraud practices affecting the farming sector and Greek society at large.

Source: pagenews.gr