The European Public Prosecutor’s
Office (EPPO) has asked Athens to lift the immunity of 11
sitting MEPs suspected of participating in a massive fraud
involving Common Agricultural Policy funds. Five other former
Greek MEPs are already being investigated, and a former minister
and deputy minister of Rural Development and Food are suspected
of involvement in a separate case. The alleged events occurred
in 2021. According to the EPPO, the investigation focuses on an
alleged organised fraudulent scheme to syphon off EU resources
through irregularities in agricultural subsidy management
involving Greek Agency for Community Payments (OPEKEP)
officials. The request for waiver of immunity, made under
Article 29 of the EPPO Rules of Procedure, is required to allow
investigators to continue their investigations and establish the
facts.
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