Kyriakos Mitsotakis on OPEKEPE Scandal: We Won’t Back Down, Whoever Pays the Political Price

Addressing the OPEKEPE scandal, the Chevron-Helleniq Energy consortium, the feast of Agios Dimitrios, and the passing of Dionysis Savvopoulos, Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered his weekly review. Mitsotakis highlighted the success of Greece’s so-called ‘FBI,’ which dismantled a large-scale fraud network involving illegal agricultural subsidies from OPEKEPE between 2018 and 2022. Following coordinated raids in Thessaloniki, Pella, Ioannina, Attica, and Crete, 37 individuals were arrested—most not farmers or producers. The alleged illicit gains amount to €5 million, possibly more. Greek authorities began investigations before a formal request from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, with both probes converging on the same suspects. The case has been referred to justice, and investigations continue as evidence suggests a broader network. To date, over 1,000 individuals have been identified as receiving unlawful payments totaling €22 million. ‘We will not back down, regardless of political cost, until all who received illegal funds are exposed and punished,’ Mitsotakis stated. He also reassured farmers that subsidy payments have begun and will continue. On animal health, he announced €40 million disbursed and another €12 million approved for livestock losses due to bluetongue disease, plus €46 million allocated to support farmers affected by quarantine restrictions. A National Scientific Committee will be formed to manage the outbreak. Mitsotakis also celebrated Saint Dimitrios and Thessaloniki’s liberation, emphasizing national unity and responsibility. He concluded by noting advancements in healthcare, including upgraded hospital units.