ATHENS, May 25 (BV)— Greek authorities arrested 20 people across the island of Crete in a sweeping operation targeting an alleged criminal network accused of fraudulently obtaining European Union agricultural subsidies through Greece’s former payment agency OPEKEPE.
The operation, led by the Organized Crime Unit of Crete police, covered the regions of Rethymno, Iraklio and Lasithi.
Among those detained were two accountants and three officials linked to Declaration Reception Centres (KYD), who investigators believe played leading roles in the network.
Police estimate the group generated more than €3 million in illegal profits in less than five years, while around 90 individuals are reportedly under investigation.
Authorities said the scheme revolved around an accounting office in Rethymno that allegedly coordinated fraudulent subsidy applications with KYD offices that had access to agricultural land data.
Investigators said the network identified undeclared or unused land and used fake lease contracts and false declarations to secure EU subsidy payments through OPEKEPE.
The alleged fraud operation is believed to have started in 2019 and involved cooperation between intermediaries, landowners and agricultural producers.
The case is part of a broader investigation into widespread abuse of EU agricultural funds in Greece.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has previously uncovered multiple cases involving false livestock declarations and subsidy claims linked to ineligible land, including public grazing zones, military areas and protected territories.
The scandal triggered a major overhaul of Greece’s subsidy management system. OPEKEPE was shut down in 2025 following EU penalties and corruption investigations, with some responsibilities transferred to tax authorities.
Greek authorities said investigations remain ongoing and additional arrests are possible.