https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/1274515/anti-money-laundering-authority-launches-probe-into-misuse-of-eu-agricultural-funds/

The country’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority has launched a wide-reaching investigation into the alleged misuse of EU agricultural subsidies distributed through the OPEKEPE agency.

The probe will go back as far as ten years and will not focus solely on the farmers who received the funds but also on anyone who played a key or intermediary role in granting the subsidies.

Investigators aim to trace possible illegal enrichment and uncover any evidence of money laundering. Special focus is being placed on how EU funds were allocated, the amounts approved, and the involvement of OPEKEPE staff responsible for authorizing or supervising payments.

Files and beneficiary lists from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) will be cross-checked, with authorities comparing assets before and after subsidy disbursement to identify any suspicious wealth increases.

Should strong evidence arise, Anti-Money Laundering Authority head Charalambos Vourliotis has signaled readiness to move swiftly with asset seizures. Vourliotis, who signed a cooperation memorandum with European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi seven months ago, is leveraging institutional ties to strengthen cross-border oversight.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised after an attempted cyberattack on the Anti-Money Laundering Authority’s official website late last Friday, sparking questions over potential efforts to disrupt the investigation.

Revelations about the OPEKEPE agricultural subsidy scandal continue to emerge. The case file sent to Parliament roughly a fortnight ago reveals a labyrinthine network of pressure and favoritism designed to secure subsidies for friends and associates while avoiding potential audits.

Former agriculture ministers Makis Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis face potential breach of duty charges.