The EPPO has brought criminal charges against 22 individuals, including four sitting Greek MPs from the ruling New Democracy party (Katerina Papakosta, Kostas Skrekas, Christos Boukoros, and Maximos Senetakis).
According to the EPPO, the suspects are involved in the illegal obtaining of agricultural subsidies through the Greek agency OPEKEPE (Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid). The total damage to the EU budget is estimated at €2.9 million. The scheme included false declarations about land, livestock, and other assets, interference in administrative procedures, document forgery, and bypassing inspections.
The MPs are accused of instigating breach of trust, unlawful management of EU funds, and other offenses. The investigation concerns subsidy fraud committed in 2021.
The EPPO emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing and aims to protect the financial interests of the European Union. If convicted, the defendants face prison sentences of up to 5 years and financial penalties.
The Greek government stated that it upholds the principle of presumption of innocence and that the final decision rests with the courts.