The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has strongly condemned recent attacks and intimidation tactics aimed at officials investigating a significant agricultural subsidy fraud scheme in Greece. The scheme, which has defrauded the European Union of an estimated €2.9 million, involves Greek livestock breeders who falsely claimed EU agricultural funds by submitting misleading declarations about land ownership and leasing.
According to EPPO, the suspects submitted false declarations of ownership or falsified lease contracts for plots of land they did not own or had not leased. The majority of the suspects lived in different parts of the country from the ones they had declared in their applications. The investigations were carried out with the support of Greece’s Financial Crimes Prosecution Department of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime of the Hellenic Police.
EPPO’s condemnation underscores the importance of protecting the integrity of investigations and the safety of those involved in upholding the rule of law. The office has called for immediate action to ensure that such acts of intimidation are addressed and that justice is served in this case.
As the legal proceedings continue, the EPPO remains committed to pursuing accountability and transparency in the management of EU funds, reinforcing its role in safeguarding the financial interests of the Union.
