ATHENS

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) on Wednesday requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity for 11 Greek lawmakers as part of an investigation into alleged organized fraud involving EU agricultural funds.

“Today, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the EPPO Regulation and the Hellenic national law, the European Chief Prosecutor requested to the Hellenic Parliament the lifting of immunity of 11 active Members of Parliament in an investigation into an alleged organised fraud scheme involving agricultural fund,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

In parallel, the EPPO office in Athens informed the Greek Parliament about the alleged involvement of a former minister and a deputy minister of rural development and food, the statement added.

It also recalled that five former Greek lawmakers are under investigation in relation to the fraud allegations.

“The investigation concerns alleged felonies and misdemeanors against the financial interests of the EU, namely instigation of breach of trust, computer fraud and false attestation with the intent to obtain for another an unlawful benefit,” it highlighted.

OPEKEPE — Greece’s Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid — was responsible for distributing subsidies under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to farmers, handling billions of euros annually.

The EPPO led investigations into the case, conducting raids on OPEKEPE offices and uncovering alleged involvement of agency officials, intermediaries, accountants and others in suspected systematic fraud and possible corruption.

In June 2025, the EU imposed a record €392 million ($455 million) fine on Greece over oversight failures, which led to delayed payments, protests by farmers and the eventual dissolution of OPEKEPE.

In October 2025, Greek police arrested 37 suspects nationwide in a major operation targeting an organized criminal group linked to the case.

The scandal triggered political fallout in Greece, including ministerial resignations, parliamentary inquiries and debate over clientelism and governance.