Authorities have arrested 13 people in Kozani and Agrinio as part of a new operation linked to the investigation into allegedly fraudulent agricultural subsidies distributed through OPEKEPE. According to reports, the case file concerns a total of 39 individuals, while the alleged illegal profits exceed €2.5 million.
Among those arrested are reportedly the manager of a Farmers’ Application Support Center (KYD) in Agrinio and an employee of a KYD office in Kozani. A large-scale agricultural producer from Kozani is also believed to have played a central role in the scheme. Investigators have additionally identified suspected tax violations, while the inquiry remains ongoing.
Yesterday, three alleged leaders of an OPEKEPE fraud network operating in northern Greece were remanded in custody following their testimony before the EPPO.
The operation comes just one day after three individuals alleged to be leaders of an OPEKEPE subsidy fraud network in northern Greece were placed in pre-trial detention following their testimonies before the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
After appearing before the European investigating magistrate, the three suspects were ordered into custody. Three female defendants were placed under house arrest, while another suspect was released under restrictive conditions.
The defendants face, depending on their alleged involvement, charges including directing, establishing, and participating in a criminal organization, fraud against the financial interests of the European Union, and money laundering. All have denied the allegations, maintaining that their subsidy declarations and financial transactions were lawful.
Sοurces: Kathimerini [1], [2], News24/7
What is fyi.news?
