Three remanded in custody for fraud involving OPEKEPE in Northern Greece
Three of 17 suspects charged with illegal subsidies through OPEKEPE have been remanded in custody. The ring is alleged to have misappropriated over 120,000 euros.
Three remanded in custody for fraud involving OPEKEPE in Northern Greece
A major fraud case concerning European subsidies has been uncovered in Northern Greece, with 17 arrests and three remands in custody already carried out.
According to in.gr, the three remanded in custody are alleged to have held leading positions in the ring. Following their examination by the examining magistrate, they were deemed to remain in custody until trial.
The indictment includes serious offences: participation in a criminal organisation, fraud against the funds of the European Union exceeding 120,000 euros, as well as money laundering.
Of the remaining arrested individuals, eleven were released, whilst three women were placed under house arrest. Two of these are spouses of the alleged ringleaders.
All those implicated denied the acts attributed to them. One of those remanded in custody, to whom a leading role is attributed, stated before the authorities that he is a farmer and that his declarations were lawful. His wife, who is alleged to have held a position of "second in the hierarchy", denied any involvement, claiming that her husband exclusively managed the finances.
The authorities are now investigating the flow of funds, examining bank accounts, vehicle purchases and land plots, as well as any connections between members of the group.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)