The apology process is in full swing before the European investigating magistrate, with the 12 people arrested from Kozani and Agrinio being asked to explain their involvement in a case of illegal subsidies from OPEKEPE.
The case concerns agricultural subsidies allegedly paid illegally during the period 2019-2024, with the total amount of money approaching €2.5 million.
So far, two of the accused have been remanded in custody. They are a producer and a worker at a Declaration Reception Centre. Meanwhile, three others were released on conditions, which include a ban on leaving the country and the payment of bail ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 euros.
The remaining seven defendants are expected to pass in turn through the investigating judge’s office in order to apologise. According to reports, the last to give an explanation will be the man who allegedly played a leading role in the ring.
On completion of the apologies, the investigator and the prosecutor will decide on the measures to be taken against those involved.
According to the prosecution authorities, the organisation operated with a specific structure and division of responsibilities. Its members allegedly applied for agricultural subsidies by falsely declaring that they owned or operated agricultural land, either as owners or tenants.
The case file said a significant number of the land declared did not belong to the beneficiaries, but to public bodies, local government agencies, state agencies, renewable energy companies, church institutions and even private businesses or health units.
Recall that two other defendants, the parents of the person alleged to be the head of the organisation, had pleaded guilty shortly after their arrest. Both were released on restrictive conditions, which include a ban on leaving the country and a 10,000 euro bail for each.
