The amounts laundered by the OPEKEPE subsidy fraud network are staggering. Through false declarations, members of the organization illegally received and laundered millions of euros in EU agricultural subsidies.

According to the case file, most of the illicit money was laundered through betting companies — a method that allowed the ringleaders to circulate large sums discreetly.

Investigators found that the alleged ringleader, who identified and falsely declared “eligible” farmland and pastures across Greece, had bank accounts flooded with rapid inflows and outflows of money. Part of the funds was withdrawn in cash or spent directly on purchases, while a significant portion was funneled through online betting platforms to be “cleaned.”

During the investigation period, €3,495,887.65 in total deposits were traced to betting companies, while €3,117,153.76 was sent out to those same platforms. In addition, the ringleader made an unusually high number of cash deposits inconsistent with his declared income. A total of 203 deposits were made via ATMs, ranging from €150 to €2,800 and amounting to €229,930, while another 408 deposits ranged from €50 to €10,000, totaling €878,360. These funds were often transferred between his own accounts or used for betting transactions, creating the appearance of legitimate movement.

The ringleader enjoyed a lavish lifestyle financed by the illicit proceeds. The investigation uncovered trips to the U.S., Istanbul, and Dubai, stays in luxury resorts such as Sani Resort in Halkidiki, and frequent purchases of designer goods from Fendi, Prada, and Gucci.

The 38-year-old ringleader was assisted by several close associates. A 68-year-old intermediary received and transferred money between members of the network and used his own bank accounts to launder funds. A 36-year-old employee at an OPEKEPE Declaration Reception Center (KYD) processed fake subsidy applications and filed forged electronic lease contracts using IP addresses linked to himself and relatives. He also moved money between accounts belonging to the network’s leaders. A 54-year-old accountant, whose personal and professional details were used in false tax declarations filed with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), transferred funds to individuals falsely registered as property owners and received money from a leading member of the group.

Eleven main members appeared as fake landowners and landlords in subsidy declarations, altering their asset records and illegally collecting EU funds. Twenty-six additional participants submitted false ownership and livestock data solely to obtain illegal payments. Many conducted bank transactions with senior members of the organization.

The investigation continues as authorities work to trace the full money trail and identify all beneficiaries of the multimillion-euro OPEKEPE subsidy fraud scheme.