Investigations conducted during the latest raid by the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Trikala and Kalabaka focus on six individuals appearing under the status of livestock farmers who received in the past, or continue to receive today, subsidies from OPEKEPE, either themselves or through close relatives.
The beginning
The case began from a complaint regarding an alleged livestock farmer with 4,000 animals, whom it is doubtful even possesses animals, and expanded following further complaints regarding fictitious animals, with the European Public Prosecutor's Office utilizing additional material it had gathered and conducting a raid in order to reinforce its evidence and proceed to the next stage of filing criminal charges.
The profile of the suspects
Well-informed sources report that damage against the interests of the European Union is not 5 million euros, as some estimate, but far greater.
Beyond the six primary suspects, thirty-three other individuals revolve around them, including livestock farmers, veterinarians, employees of OPEKEPE and the veterinary service, even slaughterhouses, as well as individuals acting as intermediaries.
According to the same sources, the six individuals include figures who appeared before the investigative committee for OPEKEPE, as well as persons maintaining close ties with political figures and members of parliament in the region, or who have themselves entered the political arena.
The schemes
These individuals appear to have resorted to various schemes through which they not only illegally collected subsidies, but also committed a host of other serious offenses.
Indeed, some among them used relatives, exploiting their standing to abuse the positions they held without being visible, believing they would not be detected.
Arrests are coming
According to information, the solidifying of the case file, considered virtually certain by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, is expected to cause a major uproar due to the ties of collusion and the extent of corruption that will come to light.
Furthermore, arrests and pre-trial detentions are expected to occur, given that the scale of fraud per individual is immense.
These individuals continue to lead a luxurious life even today, and indeed some among them consider themselves invulnerable, believing they enjoy political protection.
Regarding the latter, perhaps they themselves know something more than we do.
Nikos Karoutzos
nkaroutzos@gmail.com
www.bankingnews.gr
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