OPKEPE: Management Denies Interference in Police Investigations

The management of OPKEPE has categorically denied any interference, obstruction, guidance, or reaction to the inspections conducted on May 19, 2025, by police units at the organization’s archives following a prosecutorial order. In a statement responding to an announcement from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), OPKEPE emphasized that no administrative intervention occurred. The EPPO had noted that gathering digital data at OPKEPE’s central offices proved particularly challenging and significantly delayed until 4:00 AM the next day. OPKEPE countered this by stating that all employees were instructed to provide all requested information to the investigative authorities, which they did. Employees worked tirelessly from 7:30 PM until 4:00 AM the next morning to assist the police investigations fully. The prolonged duration of the checks was attributed to the vast amount of data and files required. The police team leaders acknowledged the cooperation of OPKEPE’s President Nikolaos Salatas, General Manager Ioannis Chatzis, and all staff involved. OPKEPE further challenges the EPPO to identify any staff who failed to cooperate or hindered the investigation, calling for a retraction if claims are unsubstantiated. The new administration aims to restore OPKEPE’s credibility as the sole accredited manager of European agricultural funds, amounting to approximately €3 billion annually.