Greek MPs Athanasiou and Chatzivasiliou cleared in OPEKEPE probe

The Athens First Instance Prosecutor's Office archived the case concerning New Democracy MPs Charalambos Athanasiou and Tasos Chatzivasiliou over alleged involvement in the OPEKEPE scandal, finding no evidence of ethical breach or duty violation. The dossier has been forwarded to the Athens Court of Appeals for approval of the archiving decision.

The investigation also concluded that former OPEKEPE president Dimitris Mela did not act as a natural perpetrator of any breach. The case, originally linked to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, was deemed outside its jurisdiction, prompting a national-level preliminary examination. The outcome is described as a “restoration of the image of the lawmakers” and a demonstration of the judicial system’s independence. Meanwhile, the European Prosecutor continues to examine other figures in the broader affair, and a recent report reduced the estimated loss of EU funds.

The archiving marks the end of the legal scrutiny for the two MPs and the former OPEKEPE head, reinforcing institutional credibility in Greece.