Italian authorities uncover EU agricultural subsidy fraud in Sicily

Italian Carabinieri, acting on investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), have taken ten suspects into custody in Sicily for alleged fraud involving European Union agricultural subsidies. The investigation, which spanned 2024 to 2025, involves two criminal organizations accused of submitting fraudulent funding applications on behalf of numerous farmers.

Authorities identified an illegally operated agricultural assistance center as a central component of the scheme. This center allegedly processed and transmitted subsidy requests without the necessary authorizations, causing significant financial damage to the EU's interests. The investigation also highlighted the misuse of leased land as part of the fraudulent activities.

Legal measures ordered by a judge in Enna include one suspect in pre-trial detention, five under house arrest, and four receiving professional bans. Financial actions totaling 927,000 euros have been implemented, including asset seizure orders. The suspects reside in the provinces of Messina, Enna, and Caltanissetta.