Greek OPEKEPE subsidy fraud case: suspects detained, others released

In Northern Greece, 17 individuals have been charged with participating in a scheme that obtained illegal subsidies through the Agricultural Development Fund (OPEKEPE). The suspects face serious offenses, including forming a criminal organization, fraud against the European Union’s funds, and money‑laundering.

On June 1, ten of the accused were released under various restrictive conditions such as travel bans and regular police‑station reporting. Three alleged senior figures of the network were ordered into pre‑trial detention, while several others received house‑arrest restrictions. All defendants have denied any wrongdoing and maintain that the subsidies they received were lawful.