The criminal organization uncovered in Crete following a months-long investigation by the Hellenic Police into OPEKEPE subsidies did not operate sporadically or opportunistically.

On the contrary, as described in the ELAS referral report, it was an organized mechanism with a clear hierarchy, distinct roles and a specific methodology. Its operation was based on the abuse of the Integrated Aid Application (EAE) system, the use of bank accounts belonging to third parties, last-minute amended declarations, and ultimately the systematic conversion of EU funds into cash, with alleged proceeds of approximately €1.7 million.

At the center of the organization, according to the case file, are three individuals: the “blue-aligned” agrarian trade unionist Myron Chiletzakis, Giorgos Lambrakis – best man to PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis – and Chrysanthi Koutantou, a lawyer and Lambrakis’ wife.

The defendants set up an organized fraud mechanism to siphon off agricultural subsidies from OPEKEPE to which they were not entitled, declaring false or non-existent plots of land and livestock, and using tax IDs (AFM) and bank accounts of third parties – even deceased persons. At the last moment, they would change the payment accounts so that the money would end up with people they controlled. The funds were then withdrawn almost immediately in cash or diverted elsewhere to conceal their trail, operating with distinct roles and a specific hierarchy, in a practice repeated systematically over many years.

The interconnection between them, their mode of cooperation and the flow of money are detailed in banking data, seized documents and investigative findings.

The structure and hierarchy of the criminal organization

The criminal group appears to have operated from at least 2019 through 2025. At the top of the hierarchy is Chiletzakis, who allegedly had overall coordination of the activity, access to the agricultural sector and operational oversight of subsidy applications. His role extended beyond personal gain to the management of bank cards, accounts and data of third parties, including deceased persons, as explicitly recorded in the police report.

The second key link in the organization is Lambrakis, an accountant by profession, who – according to the findings – played a pivotal role in managing financial flows, transferring money, covering operating expenses and channeling subsidies into corporate or betting schemes. His primary professional activity, ELAS notes, is unrelated to agricultural work, reinforcing the conclusion that his involvement in the subsidy system was not productive in nature.

The third main pillar is Chrysanthi Koutantou, a lawyer, who appears as a joint holder of bank accounts into which proceeds from the criminal activity were deposited, as a drafter of documents, and as an active participant in managing the financial gains. Her involvement is documented through banking data, land registry documents and seized material from her home and accounting office.

Around this core developed a network of relatives, associates and third parties, who either acted as bank account holders or provided tax IDs, exploitation details or access to OSDΕ declarations.

The method of fraud

The fraud was based on a repeated and sophisticated mechanism. Initially, Integrated Aid Applications were submitted with false or inflated data, either regarding land area or livestock. In many cases, the applications did not correspond to real agricultural activity, but used individuals who acted solely as “carriers” of tax IDs.

A key element of the method was the declaration of bank accounts where the applicants themselves were not the beneficiaries. ELAS identified eleven accounts used to pay subsidies to people different from those who submitted the applications. After final submission, amended declarations were filed to change the payment account, so that part or all of the subsidy would end up with other recipients.

Once credited, the money was almost immediately withdrawn in cash or transferred electronically, making oversight difficult and concealing the trail. This practice was repeated systematically over many years.

The role of Chiletzakis: the central manager

According to banking data, Chiletzakis received subsidies in more than one account. In one of them, in 2024 alone, €24,395.73 from OPEKEPE subsidies were credited and almost entirely withdrawn. In another account, for the period 2021–2023, subsidies totaling €13,321.65 were recorded, again followed by cash withdrawals.

Investigators found that Chiletzakis – as manager of the company “KANTIA TERRA Single-Member Private Capital Company” – falsely claimed to own or lease plots of land for cultivation and fallow use. For these applications, subsidies totaling €64,325 were approved and paid.

Regarding the same company, it emerged that between 2019 and 2024 Chiletzakis submitted Integrated Aid Applications falsely claiming to lease farmland and pastures. For these, subsidies totaling €103,107 were approved and paid.

Particular weight is given by ELAS to the fact that bank cards belonging to third parties, as well as details of a deceased person, were found in Chiletzakis’ possession, through which subsidies continued to be collected even after the beneficiary’s death.

The role of Lambrakis: financial management

Lambrakis appears as a joint holder of a bank account into which OPEKEPE subsidies were credited from 2021 to 2024. These amounts were either withdrawn in cash, transferred to corporate entities or used to cover expenses unrelated to agricultural activity, including payments to a betting company.

Through his role in Declaration Reception Centers (KYD), he repeatedly submitted false or inaccurate declarations together with Chiletzakis, aiming to appropriate hundreds of thousands of euros.

ELAS notes that his primary professional activity is accounting services, reinforcing the assessment that his role was that of financial manager, with knowledge of money transfer and concealment mechanisms.

The role of Koutantou: legal and banking support

Koutantou appears to have actively participated both in managing bank accounts and drafting documents. Subsidy amounts ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros were found in her accounts, sometimes transferred to companies. At her residence and shared environment with Lambrakis, investigators found banking documents, unsigned affidavits and mobile phones.

The findings and the financial footprint

The coordinated police operation of December 12, 2025 led to dozens of seizures, including €35,750 in cash, bank cards, mobile phones, laptops, storage devices and valuables such as gold coins, a gold bar and a high-value watch.

The police emphasize that the approved subsidies were ultimately paid into the declared accounts, either through final or amended declarations, demonstrating that the fraud relied not on “lost” funds but on their organized diversion.