Greek MPs indicted in EU farm subsidy fraud

The European Union — European Public Prosecutor s Office (EPPO) indicted 22 people, including four current members of the Greece — Hellenic Parliament from the ruling New Democracy party, over an alleged organized fraud scheme involving EU agricultural funds. The scheme, which took place in 2021, involved false declarations of land ownership and exaggerated livestock numbers to obtain subsidies, with most fraudulent payments going to Greece — Crete. Losses to the European Union are estimated at over €19.6 million. The scandal has led to resignations of government ministers and increased political pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who criticized the EPPO for allegedly interfering in domestic politics. The indicted MPs are Kostas Skrekas, Christos Boukoros, Maximos Senetakis, and Katerina Papakosta, who face charges including instigation to abuse of trust and unlawful management of EU funds. Allegations against seven other MPs were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The case is ongoing, with three former MPs still under investigation.