Greece’s OPEKEPE illegal subsidy scandal leads to three arrests in Kozani and Agrinio

Three suspects – alleged head of the subsidy‑fraud network, a staff member of a Centre for Declaration of Statements and a producer – were placed in custody after admitting involvement in the OPEKEPE illegal‑subsidy case in the western Greek regions of Kozani and Agrinio.

The investigation, covering 14 accused individuals, resulted in the remaining 11 being released under strict conditions, including a ban on leaving Greece and the requirement to post bail ranging from €5,000 to €15,000.

Authorities allege that the scheme secured roughly €2.5 million in fraudulent payments between 2019 and 2024 by submitting false declarations and inaccurate data, prompting a broader probe that initially summoned 12 people from the two regions.