37 arrested in agricultural subsidy fraud probe in Greece
The European Public Prosecutor's Office arrested 37 suspects in an operation against fraud involving Common Agricultural Policy subsidies, with damages exceeding €19.6 million.
37 arrested in agricultural subsidy fraud probe in Greece
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Athens arrested 37 suspects and conducted investigations across Greece in a case of agricultural subsidy fraud. Authorities identified an organised criminal group that was allegedly involved in systematic large-scale fraud and money laundering from illegal activities.
According to the EPPO, from at least 2018, the group operated across the country with a clear hierarchical structure, distinct roles, and continuous activity until the present day. Members exploited gaps in the procedures for submitting Single Application Forms for aid under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, using forged or misleading documents to claim subsidies from the Greek Agricultural Insurance Organisation.
The suspects allegedly declared fictitious agricultural land and pastures that did not belong to them or did not meet eligibility criteria. Additionally, it appears they inflated the number of animals to increase the subsidy amounts.
To conceal the illegal origin of the money, the group members issued false invoices, routed funds through multiple bank accounts, and mixed them with legitimate income. Part of the money acquired illegally was spent, it is alleged, on luxury goods, travel, and vehicles.
During the preliminary investigation, 324 individuals were identified as subsidy recipients, causing estimated damage of over €19.6 million to the EU budget. Of these, 42 are considered active members of the criminal organisation. Most of them appear to have had no genuine connection to agriculture.
The Greek Financial Crime Unit is implementing asset seizure measures against members of the organisation.
Source: Agriland
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)