New conversations have come to light in the OPKEPE scandal, implicating high-level officials including Deputy Minister of Rural Development Christos Kellas. In one recorded dialogue, former OPKEPE President Kyriakos Babasidis is heard speaking with former Secretary General of Rural Development and Food George Stratakis, where they allegedly discuss how Kellas operates through favors and clientelism.
‘What did Kellas want?’ Babasidis reportedly said. ‘Some small favors,’ Stratakos replied. ‘Anything, you idiot!’ Babasidis laughed and added, ‘The minister brought wine, it’s for everyone.’
In another conversation, former OPKEPE President Vangelis Simandarakos allegedly referred to unbearable pressure from Lefteris Avgenakis. According to reports, he stated during a deposition at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office: ‘In October 2023, the pressure from Mr. Avgenakis was unbearable because again 6,000 tax identification numbers (AFMs) were not paid.’
Meanwhile, on October 14, 2024, OPKEPE Vice President Eleftherios Zervos spoke with Dimitris Dogoulis, President of the Panhellenic Association of Graduates in Agricultural Studies (GEOTEE) for Central Greece. Zervos questioned whether ministers would still hold power if Babasidis, with his connections, collapsed the system. Dogoulis described Babasidis as a gangster who has ruined many, including someone named Tsiaras.
On November 21, 2024, Kellas and Babasidis discussed issues surrounding the resignation of vice-presidents and illegal land allocations by an official named Kahrimanis. The discussion implied efforts to rectify these matters together.
Another leaked conversation involved Heraklion-based agricultural magnates Em. Chairetis and G. Xylouris. They referenced interference from Minister Kostas Voridis, claiming that if Voridis had not attended a baptism to protect someone, that person would have been publicly exposed and destroyed legally by Fanouris through ongoing investigations.
Xylouris revealed he had an upcoming meeting with Voridis in Athens, and that they communicated via coded phone calls. He added sarcastically, ‘I told him, ‘You’ve gone public—go get fucked.”
These revelations continue to shake the political landscape, raising serious questions about corruption, influence-peddling, and accountability within Greece’s rural development sector.