Police Probe Alleged Farm Subsidy Scam in Crete
Police authorities in Crete have opened an extensive investigation into suspected fraudulent farm subsidy claims linked to OPEKEPE, the national farm payment agency. The inquiry centers on allegations that a network of individuals manipulated subsidy procedures to secure unauthorized funds.
According to officials, 15 suspects have been taken into custody as alleged core members of a criminal group believed to have engineered the scheme. In total, 42 people are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing case.
Authorities reviewing documents tied to suspected fraudulent subsidy submissions
Investigators report that the operation was based in Archanes, a town near Iraklio. A farmers union official from Crete is considered the focal point of the alleged ring. Accountants, a lawyer, and agricultural producers are suspected of contributing to the submission of false or fabricated subsidy applications.
Authorities estimate that the value of the fraudulent claims exceeds €1.7 million. The disputed applications were reportedly filed through the Declaration Submission Center of the Agricultural Cooperative of Archanes.
Illustration of the suspected criminal network behind the subsidy fraud case
Police are also examining possible involvement of family members of the union official, including his wife, sister, mother, and mother in law, to determine whether they played any role in coordinating or facilitating the scheme.
