Greece Farm Aid Fraud Investigation

The European Union — European Public Prosecutor s Office has requested Greece to lift the immunity of 11 lawmakers to investigate their alleged involvement in a farm aid fraud scandal. This scandal, which saw dozens of Greek stockbreeders charged last year for faking ownership to receive millions in EU financial aid, has already led to a 392 million euro fine from the European Union against Greece due to Greece — Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid's mismanagement of subsidies between 2016 and 2023. The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has experienced resignations of a minister and four senior officials over their alleged roles. The European Union — European Public Prosecutor s Office's probe focuses on alleged crimes against the European Union's financial interests in 2021, including instigation of breach of trust, computer fraud, and false attestation. Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis acknowledged the seriousness of the development, and further probes into Greece — Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid officials are ongoing.