Greek Authorities Investigate Fraud Involving EU Agricultural Funds

In a significant investigation, Greek authorities are probing allegations of fraudulent activities involving EU agricultural subsidies, with over 1,000 farmers and agricultural businesses implicated in the scandal. Reports indicate that these entities have unlawfully received approximately EUR22.6 million in EU funds, prompting the freezing of their accounts.

The Greek Minister of Citizens' Protection, Michalis Chrysodidis, stated that the investigation has so far identified 1,036 cases where substantial sums, averaging around EUR40,000 per tax identification number, were fraudulently claimed. The bulk of these funds, nearly EUR17 million, has reportedly been allocated to the island of Crete.

Authorities are taking decisive action by requiring the return of the improperly acquired funds and initiating criminal prosecutions against those involved. Additionally, a total of 6,400 tax identification numbers are under scrutiny, raising concerns about the extent of the fraud.

The investigation was ignited in March 2024 when the European Anti-Fraud Office alerted Greek officials to irregularities in the management of EU funding. Allegations include the submission of fictitious data regarding agricultural land and illegitimate claims made by non-eligible individuals. Notably, some areas classified as agricultural land were reported to include rocky terrains, forests, and even regions in neighboring North Macedonia.

Estimates suggest that since 2017, the total amount of improperly issued funds could reach as high as EUR170 million. In response to these findings, the Greek government has shut down the body responsible for administering and distributing EU agricultural subsidies, committing to a thorough review of the implicated cases. Investigations are also extending to employees within the relevant agency.

This developing situation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in detecting and preventing fraud in the agricultural sector, particularly concerning the management of EU funds intended to support legitimate farming operations.