The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating a massive scheme. In which Greek officials allegedly funneled EU agricultural funds to fake farmers and bogus projects. On June 27th, five senior officials resigned, including Migration Minister Makis Voridis and Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou. All were named in a 3,000-page EPPO case file. The file accuses officials of forming a “criminal organization” to siphon EU funds through fraudulent claims for pastureland and agricultural work that never happened.
Two former agriculture ministers, Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis, are accused of misappropriating EU funds.
Wiretaps reveal brazen conversations, officials allegedly discussed removing EU prosecutors from the case and pressured agencies to approve fraudulent payments. Two former heads of OPEKEPE testified they were fired for trying to block the fraud. The Commission has since fined Greece €400 million. The Greek government now plans to shut down OPEKEPE and transfer farm payment duties to the Independent Authority for Public Revenues by next year.
New ministers were appointed Saturday, including Thanos Plevris as migration minister, a controversial figure criticized by opposition parties for his far-right views.
The case file names 15 MPs, including 13 from the ruling New Democracy party. With more EU fines expected, the scandal could deepen political instability in Athens.