EU prosecutors target Greek lawmakers in expanding farm aid fraud scandal

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has asked Greece’s parliament to lift the immunity of 11 sitting lawmakers to allow an investigation into their alleged role in a farm aid fraud scandal that has already triggered political resignations and a substantial EU fine.

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, the request aims to enable authorities “to establish the facts, while searching for inculpatory as well as exculpatory evidence,” Reuters reports.

The probe relates to suspected crimes against the EU’s financial interests in 2021, including instigation of breach of trust, computer fraud, and false attestation intended to secure unlawful financial benefits. The lawmakers involved have not been named, though information has been passed to parliament indicating the possible involvement of a former rural development minister and his deputy.

The investigation follows earlier action by European prosecutors, who last year charged dozens of Greek livestock breeders with falsifying ownership of pastureland and animals in order to obtain millions of euros in EU subsidies.

The scandal has had significant political repercussions in Greece, with a minister and four senior officials in the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis resigning over their alleged involvement. The case has also prompted a parliamentary inquiry, which concluded earlier this year but ended in political deadlock due to conflicting findings among parties.

Financial consequences have also been severe. In June, the European Union imposed a €392 million fine on Greece over the mismanagement of agricultural subsidies by the OPEKEPE agency between 2016 and 2023. The agency is responsible for distributing more than €2 billion in EU farm aid annually.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis described the EPPO’s move as “a serious development,” adding that the government would examine each case individually once the relevant files are submitted to parliament.

Meanwhile, several investigations into the alleged involvement of OPEKEPE officials remain ongoing, underscoring the scale and complexity of the case as authorities continue efforts to address suspected misuse of EU funds.

By Vafa Guliyeva