Fake pastures used to claim EU subsidies

Greek authorities are currently investigating a large-scale fraud involving agricultural subsidies, where individuals falsely claimed over 45 million euros from European Union funds for non-existent or leased grazing lands.

These illegal claims, facilitated through the Hellenic Agricultural Payments Agency (OPEKEPE), were meant to support farmers and livestock breeders. However, it appears many exploited the system by fabricating information to qualify for the subsidies.

The investigation has uncovered that some recipients of these funds were notified in advance of upcoming inspections by OPEKEPE officials, allowing them to borrow livestock from friends and neighbors to stage the appearance of active farming operations. These cases have led to numerous court files being opened, which are now being reviewed by Greek prosecutors.

Some fraudulent claims involved...