The European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Athens has indicted 22 defendants in connection with an alleged organised fraud scheme involving EU agricultural funds, among them four current Members of the Hellenic Parliament, several former senior public officials and political staff.

The indictments follow the Hellenic Parliament’s decision on 24 April 2026 to lift the parliamentary immunity of 11 sitting MPs at the request of the European Chief Prosecutor, enabling investigators to examine acts allegedly committed in 2021. The proceedings form part of a broader EPPO enquiry into corruption within the Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aids (OPEKEPE), the body responsible for administering subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy.

Investigators identified recurring patterns of manipulation in the handling of EU farm funds: unlawful interference in administrative and inspection procedures, retrospective alteration of data after mandatory controls had been completed, obstruction of on-the-spot inspections, concealment and distortion of inspection findings, and false certifications.

Those indicted include the former President of OPEKEPE, facing five counts of abuse of trust; the former Director General for Direct Payments on two counts of the same offence; and two former OPEKEPE regional directors accused of abuse of trust and unlawful management of EU funds. Three of the four serving MPs are charged with instigating abuse of trust, while a fourth faces charges of instigating unlawful management of funds, false attestation and attempted computer fraud. Remaining defendants comprise a parliamentary staffer, an associate of a former minister, a veterinary official and several subsidy beneficiaries.

Charges against seven other sitting MPs and two former parliamentarians were dismissed for insufficient evidence. Convicted defendants face up to five years’ imprisonment. Investigations covering other years remain ongoing.