Crete: How the illegal OPEKEPE subsidy ring operated – Those arrested transferred to Athens.
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New revelations are coming to light about the illegal OPEKEPE subsidy ring in Crete, with authorities describing it as an organized fraud involving millions of euros and dozens of people implicated.
- 26 Μαΐου 2026 10:04
New details are emerging about the illegal OPEKEPE subsidy ring in Crete, with authorities describing it as an organized fraud worth millions of euros and involving dozens of individuals.
On Wednesday morning (27/05), the 20 suspects arrested in Crete in connection with the illegal OPEKEPE subsidies case are expected to appear before the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to answer the charges against them.
The major police operation was carried out on Monday (25/05), when officers from Greece’s “FBI” unit raided homes and business premises in Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lasithi. Declaration Submission Centers in Ierapetra and Lasithi were also investigated due to their suspected links to the criminal network.
According to authorities, a total of 20 people were arrested, including a deputy mayor. The illegal profits are estimated at around €3 million, while investigators are examining whether the network’s activities extended to other parts of the country.
How the ring operated
Two accountants from Rethymno are believed to have been the masterminds behind the new illegal OPEKEPE subsidy scheme uncovered by the Greek FBI. So far, 20 people allegedly involved in the case have been arrested.
The two accountants are said to have worked closely with at least three Declaration Submission Centers (KYD) in Mylopotamos, Heraklion, and Ierapetra, essentially acting as intermediaries to help farmers secure subsidies.
According to ERT, the fraud scheme had been operating since 2019 using undeclared plots of farmland identified through the KYD centers. Private producers then entered the scheme and, through false declarations, managed to obtain subsidies from OPEKEPE.
Particular attention has been drawn to information reported by neakriti.gr that an active deputy mayor is among those arrested. Authorities are investigating his alleged involvement.
Those arrested also include the two accountants and three managers of Declaration Submission Centers (KYD).
The case concerns an organized criminal network allegedly carrying out illegal activities for financial gain through false or fictitious declarations, causing estimated damages exceeding €3 million.
Police investigations and detentions are ongoing, while authorities are expected to provide further official updates regarding the full extent of the case.
