Thursday’s indictment is the latest chapter in the farm funds scandal saga that has convulsed Athens since last year. EPPO is investigating dozens of cases involving Greek farmers, or people posing as farmers, who improperly received subsidies for land they did not own or agricultural work they did not carry out. At the heart of the case is OPEKEPE, the now-defunct state organization responsible for distributing EU funds in Greece.
Three of the MPs cited Thursday stand accused of instigation to commit abuse of trust, and one of them of instigation to unlawful management of EU funds. One of them also faces accusations of instigating false attestation and attempted computer fraud. Three Greek judicial and government officials — familiar with the case and granted anonymity to speak freely on the matter — told POLITICO the four indicted MPs are from the ruling New Democracy party: Kostas Skrekas, Katerina Papakosta, Maximos Senetakis and Christos Boukoros.
The MPs could not be immediately reached for comment. They have previously denied wrongdoing and expressed confidence that the Greek justice system would clear their names.
Allegations against seven other sitting lawmakers have been dismissed, while proceedings are continuing against other suspects, including three former MPs. The cases concern alleged offenses committed in 2021, according to EPPO, which said separate investigations into conduct in other years are also ongoing.
The remaining defendants, the officials said, include the former president of OPEKEPE Dimitris Melas, its former director general for direct payments and two former OPEKEPE regional directors, as well as an employee of a serving MP and an associate of a former minister.
Melas has repeatedly categorically denied the criminal charges brought against him. Earlier this month, an Athens court ruled that Melas — who was also MEP candidate with New Democracy — was guilty of repeatedly aiding a criminal and breach of duty.