OPEKEPE Trial: Control Mechanism “Vulnerable,” Says Witness

Proceedings opened with witness statements in another trial before the Athens Three-Member Court of Appeal for Felonies involving defendants who received European subsidies through OPEKEPE.

The case concerns subsidies totaling more than €250,000 that were granted to the accused between 2016 and 2018 in the Serres region. Although 32 individuals were initially seated in the dock, seven eventually entered into plea negotiations and, after paying €165,000, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years and three months to three years, with three-year suspended sentences, even though they had initially been prosecuted for felony charges.

During the hearing, a senior official from the former OPEKEPE service testified, describing how the organization operated and highlighting how “vulnerable” the subsidy control mechanism was. As it became clear, a full cross-check of land plots and their actual owners cannot be carried out because there is no connection with the National Cadastre. Moreover, since 2014 no administrative checks have been required for the lease agreements submitted by those appearing as subsidy beneficiaries, with the result that some of these leases lack official stamps or even signatures.

It was also noted that, to date, the improperly paid amounts cannot be recovered, as an audit must first be conducted for each financial year in order to determine liability and allow a period for objections from the parties concerned.

The trial continues.