Greece’s farm subsidy payment agency, OPEKEPE, is under formal investigation following a surprise audit by the police’s Internal Affairs Division, assisted by forensic experts and overseen by two prosecutors acting on orders from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Greece.
The high-profile inspection of the agency’s records was confirmed by OPEKEPE on Sunday amid increasing scrutiny over the management of European agricultural funds. The organization handles approximately €3 billion annually from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.
In an official statement, OPEKEPE said its new administration “fully cooperated with the prosecutorial and auditing authorities” and provided all requested data. It stressed that its top priority is the “complete restoration of OPEKEPE’s credibility as the only accredited body for managing EU agricultural funds in Greece.” The agency also stated its commitment to thoroughly investigating all past irregularities and assigning responsibility where appropriate, regardless of rank or position.
The probe occurs as OPEKEPE is trying to implement a new Action Plan, agreed upon with European Commission authorities, aimed at enhancing transparency and rebuilding trust after years of mismanagement concerns. In a notable remark, OPEKEPE pointed out that the audit coincided with its objection to what it described as the “unacceptable secondment” of Ms. Tycheropoulou to the European Prosecutor’s Office, suggesting potential internal friction between Greek and EU authorities.
The agency also raised questions about the confidentiality of the investigation, stating, “We were surprised to find that, despite the secret nature of the audit, a television crew was stationed at our front entrance upon the arrival of the European prosecutors and investigators, while multiple media outlets simultaneously reported details of the operation.”
The case could prove to be a significant test for both Greek oversight mechanisms and EU anti-fraud efforts at a time when Brussels is increasing its scrutiny of how member states manage and distribute billions in agricultural subsidies.