Three new pre-trial detentions of defendants in the OPEKEPE case were decided today by the investigating magistrate and prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Athens. The total number of defendants now in custody for this case stands at 13.

In total, 37 people are implicated in this new, extensive case file. The procedure for taking the testimony of one remaining defendant before the European Public Prosecutor is still pending. The man is currently hospitalized, so the magistrate and prosecutor will visit him in the hospital to take his testimony.

For the 37 defendants, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Athens has pressed criminal charges for criminal organization, fraud related to subsidies, falsification of documents, and money laundering. According to the case file, the financial damage caused to the European Union and the Greek State by the defendants exceeds 5 million euros.

Allegations

During today’s proceedings (the defendants have been brought in groups since last Friday), a defendant who described himself as occasionally employed was taken into custody in the morning. He is alleged to have submitted false information. Shortly after, two more defendants were also remanded.

By contrast, among others, the accountant, who allegedly played a key role in organizing and running the ring, was released. He reportedly told the magistrate:

“I deny the charges. They had an assistant in the office who worked with an agricultural land broker. He made changes to the land registry (E9), and as soon as I realized it, I corrected it immediately. From the very beginning, I presented all the data to the authorities. I never filed any agricultural claims myself. Nothing illegal was found in my home, nor did I ever gain money from the subsidies.”

Additionally, the father of the alleged ring leader (who is in custody) was released after giving his testimony. He reportedly told the magistrate:

“I raised my children alone, working 40 years, 15 hours a day as a farmer. I don’t want to believe the charges against my son. This is the first time I’m hearing them too.”

Another defendant, who appeared as the owner of agricultural plots leased to members of the ring, categorically denied involvement, reportedly telling the magistrate:

“I am wrongly accused because the real culprits have not been identified. I trusted a broker, to whom I gave my Taxisnet credentials, to help me apply as a new farmer. Without my knowledge, he falsely registered land plots in my name. I was assured everything was legal.”

Another defendant, a professional farmer in Pella, who allegedly submitted false information about plots he supposedly leased, reportedly told the magistrate:

“For 40 years, I have farmed 800 stremmas and lived entirely from the land. I approached a broker to find me additional plots to increase production. He indicated plots, which I cultivated normally and paid all expenses. I have submitted all receipts and invoices, but it seems they were not taken into account.”