Quick Read
- The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has asked Greece’s parliament to lift the immunity of 11 current MEPs.
- The request is tied to an investigation into an alleged organized fraud scheme involving agricultural subsidies via OPEKEPE.
- The probe also involves five former MPs and potentially a former minister and deputy.
ATHENS (Azat TV) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has formally requested the Greek Parliament to lift the immunity of 11 current Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The request is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged organized fraud scheme involving agricultural subsidies distributed through OPEKEPE, the Greek organization responsible for the payment and control of public aid for orientation and guarantees.
EPPO Investigation Targets Subsidy Fraud Scheme
The EPPO’s Athens branch initiated the probe into the alleged fraudulent activities, which reportedly occurred in 2021. According to official statements, the investigation centers on serious and minor offenses detrimental to the financial interests of the European Union. These include incitement to breach of trust, electronic fraud, and false certification, all aimed at securing illicit financial gains for third parties. The EPPO emphasized that the request to lift parliamentary immunity is crucial to allow investigators to proceed unhindered, seeking both incriminating and exonerating evidence.
Scope of Investigation Includes Former Officials
In addition to the current MEPs, the investigation has expanded to include five former members of parliament who are also under scrutiny. Furthermore, information has emerged suggesting the potential involvement of a former Minister of Rural Development and Food and their deputy in the fraudulent scheme during their tenure. The Greek Constitution outlines specific procedures for addressing such requests involving parliamentary immunity.
Details of Alleged Fraud and EPPO’s Role
The EPPO’s investigation specifically targets alleged organized fraud involving public servants within OPEKEPE. The alleged scheme aimed to exploit agricultural funds, leading to substantial financial losses for the EU. The European Public Prosecutor, acting under Rule 29 of the EPPO Rules of Procedure, submitted the request for immunity revocation to the Greek Parliament to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the complex allegations. All 11 MEPs whose immunity is being challenged reportedly belong to the same political party.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s action underscores the increasing scrutiny of EU fund management across member states, highlighting the EPPO’s expanding role in safeguarding the Union’s financial integrity against sophisticated fraud operations.