Greek police arrest 20 in Crete over suspected EU farm subsidies fraud
Greek police have arrested 20 individuals in Crete for their involvement in a criminal gang accused of defrauding the EU of agricultural subsidies. The group, which has been operating since 2019, allegedly generated over €3 million through false declarations related to farm land. This incident is part of a broader investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into financial crimes affecting the EU's interests in Greece.
- ▪The arrests took place on Monday and involved individuals suspected of being part of a gang defrauding the EU.
- ▪Among those arrested were two accountants and state employees who aided farmers in submitting false applications.
- ▪The network's illegal activities reportedly generated over €3 million since its inception in 2019.
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Greek police arrest 20 in Crete over suspected EU farm subsidies fraudSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: Police protects the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, during farmers’ protest over delays to EU subsidies due to farm fraud scandal, in Athens, Greece, November 11, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File PhotoPublished May 25, 2026, 05:33 PMUpdated May 25, 2026, 05:33 PMATHENS, May 25 - Greek police arrested 20 people on the island of Crete on Monday, saying they had dismantled a criminal gang suspected of defrauding the European Union of agricultural subsidies - the latest case in a growing scandal that has shaken the government.Among the group's suspected leaders were two accountants and state employees who assisted farmers with submitting…
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