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> Politics

OPEKEPE case: Tycheropoulou report backfires on accusers – Why 13 MPs were accused and what applies

The accuracy of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) investigations is being challenged, following developments that sent 13 MPs of New Democracy to the judiciary and caused strong political turbulence within the government majority

Newsroom June 8 02:38

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There are already indications that the Public Prosecutor’s Office of First Instance has archived the cases of Tasos Chatzivasileiou and Babis Athanasiou, ruling that the evidence does not indicate the commission of an offence. At the same time, the report compiled by Ms. Paraskevi Tycheropoulou—commissioned by the EPPO after the public controversy involving the MPs—essentially exonerates most of the individuals involved.

It is notable that while the European Public Prosecutor’s Office referred to alleged damage exceeding €1.2 million, the Tycheropoulou report estimates the amount at €115,000.

The discrepancy between the case file and the Tycheropoulou report has fueled growing concerns about the handling of the investigations by the prosecuting authorities. As a result, several of the political figures involved are reportedly considering legal action against the European prosecutors.

Key cases mentioned

Kostas Skrekas
The EPPO alleged that he intervened to assist an excluded farmer, causing “certain and definitive damage” of €87,780.55 to EU funds.
The Tycheropoulou report, however, describes the payment as “uncertain” and reduces the alleged damage to €7,145.35.

Notis Mitarachi
Accused of using political influence via emails regarding a case in Chios. EPPO estimated damage at €31,499.26.
The Tycheropoulou report reaches a different conclusion, suggesting the intervention did not result in confirmed harm.

Theofilos Leontaridis
EPPO alleged political pressure leading to unlawful actions benefiting a livestock producer.
Tycheropoulou instead concludes it was an attempt to correct an administrative injustice and that no EU financial damage occurred.

Dimitris Vartzopoulos
In this case, both the EPPO and the Tycheropoulou report largely agree, noting irregularities and recommending recovery of improperly paid funds.

Charalambos Athanasiou
EPPO claimed he forced an unlawful act; however, the report indicates the requested intervention never actually took place, meaning no wrongdoing is substantiated.

Kostas Tsiaras
EPPO described him as an indirect instigator of unlawful conduct, estimating damage at €22,944.27.
Tycheropoulou reduces the estimate to €3,145.33, citing regulatory frameworks.

Katerina Papakosta
She was portrayed as involved in a serious criminal offense (felony-level allegations), including alleged attempts at falsification of documents.
The EPPO estimated €142,000 in EU payments were affected.
Tycheropoulou disputes the causal impact of the alleged actions and suggests only limited, uncertain amounts (~€7,753).

Christos Boukoros
EPPO based its findings on messages suggesting intervention, estimating damage of €88,725.67.
The report argues no prior investigation was conducted and concludes no EU fund damage can be determined.

Kostas Ach. Karamanlis
He was linked indirectly through administrative decisions affecting 37 producers in Serres, with alleged unlawful payments totaling €224,686.58.
Tycheropoulou’s analysis suggests the administrative delays were justified and that no financial damage is established.

Broader dispute

The core of the controversy lies in the reliance of the EPPO on dialogue excerpts and past communications (from 2021), which critics say were selectively interpreted. According to the article, these materials were initially archived as non-priority cases and later revisited.

Legal sources cited in the report argue that key steps were not taken to determine:

  • whether the requested actions were lawful,
  • whether they were actually carried out,
  • and the true extent of any financial damage.

The 13 MPs were eventually stripped of immunity on April 22, triggering political fallout and resignations.

Role of Tycheropoulou

Paraskevi Tycheropoulou, a former OPEKEPE official and now EPPO-appointed expert collaborator, played a central role in re-evaluating the cases. While some have praised her technical expertise, she has also faced criticism and complaints related to past approvals of payments.

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Her findings in this case largely contradict the EPPO’s initial conclusions, significantly reducing or eliminating estimated financial damage in several instances.

Political impact

The case has intensified political confrontation in Greece, with opposition parties accusing the government of being tainted by legal controversies, while government officials maintain that resignations and procedures followed the explanations provided in official resignation letters.

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