Alleged leader of criminal ring behind OPEKEPE fraud remanded in custody

A 38-year-old man from Giannitsa, alleged to be the leader of the criminal organisation that illegally collected subsidies from OPEKEPE (the Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid), on Monday became the 10th defendant to be sent to prison in connection with the case.

The 38-year-old from Giannitsa appeared before the European Investigating Magistrate facing serious charges, which describe criminal activity using specific fraudulent methods to obtain agricultural subsidies, followed by actions to launder illicit proceeds.

According to reports, the defendant admitted to some of the charges, stating that the acts attributed to him “ have been committed by many” and asserting that his ex-wife, who testified on Sunday and was placed under house arrest with an electronic bracelet, bears no responsibility.

“ I admit what I have done,” he reportedly said, adding that he is being accused of multiple illegal actions. “ It is not fair that acts carried out by many are all being attributed to me. The individual responsibility of each person who received money into their account cannot be labeled as a criminal organisation. My ex-wife has nothing to do with this,” he claimed.
The last group of defendants in the case, bringing the total to 37 people, will appear before the magistrate to testify on Monday.

Source: amna.gr