In Greece, 22 people are accused of fraud involving EU agricultural subsidies
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens has charged 22 individuals in a case involving alleged fraud involving European Union funds intended to support agriculture.
According to Euronews, the investigation concerns possible abuses in the distribution of agricultural subsidies under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). According to investigators, officials from the state payment agency OPEKEPE may have been involved in the scheme.
Among the accused are four sitting members of the Greek Parliament, former OPEKEPE executives, civil servants, and subsidy recipients. Meanwhile, proceedings against seven other members of Parliament were closed due to insufficient evidence.
Three lawmakers are suspected of incitement to breach of trust, while another is accused of incitement to the illegal use of EU funds, as well as providing false testimony and attempting computer fraud.
If found guilty, the defendants face up to five years in prison, as well as financial penalties in accordance with Greek law.
Source: European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), Euronews.
Authorities reported that a 26-year-old woman was arrested in the Cretan city of Chania. Police described her as having ties to the Greek anarchist movement and stated that she likely traveled to Crete in an attempt to evade investigators.
Greece plans to participate in the restoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
