Greek police arrest 20 in Crete over illegal OPEKEPE subsidies

The Hellenic Police’s Organized Crime Unit launched a large‑scale operation in Crete on 25 May, targeting a criminal network accused of defrauding the EU‑funded agricultural subsidy programme OPEKEPE. Twenty people were detained across the prefectures of Heraklion, Rethymno and Lasithi, including at least two accountants and three officials from claim‑submission centres.

Authorities estimate the scheme generated illegal profits exceeding €3 million. Investigators say the suspects submitted false statements to obtain the funds and plan to continue probing for additional participants and the full scope of the fraud. Formal statements from the police are expected after the operation concludes.