EPPO Warns of Greek Clause Hindering Corruption Probes; Farm Fraud, Train Tragedy Under Scrutiny
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has expressed concerns over a unique clause in the Greek constitution that hinders its ability to probe and prosecute former or current Greek government members. Meanwhile, EPPO is investigating a growing list of cases, including a massive farm fraud scheme in Greece and alleged misappropriation of EU funds linked to a fatal train accident in Tempi.
EPPO's investigations have revealed that Greece and Slovakia are not alone in facing farm subsidy fraud issues. Corruption fueled by EU farm funds and other subsidies is spreading across the European Union. In Greece, EPPO is looking into a snowballing farm fraud scheme involving businesspeople, political figures, and employees of the state agency overseeing EU subsidy distribution.
The Tempi train crash, which claimed 57 lives, has also come under EPPO's scrutiny. Allegations suggest misappropriation of EU funds may be connected to the incident. However, the Greek government has rejected EPPO's call for action against two former ministers following the tragedy.
The Recovery and Resilience Facility, established to aid countries in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a new target for organized crime. With EU farm subsidies representing a substantial one-third of the entire EU budget, they remain an attractive target for corruption schemes. EPPO is seeking an expanded team, including dedicated national financial investigators, to tackle these crimes across multiple EU member states, with cases also underway in Germany, Bulgaria, Spain, France, and others.
Read also:
- HLC Approves ₹4,645.60 Crore for Flood Recovery and Wetland Rejuvenation in Nine States
- Crooked House Pub's Demolition: Council Orders Rebuild, Debate on Historic Building Protections
- Shaping India's Economic Progression: Readying the Financial System for Tomorrow
- Ethiopia's Grand Dam: 15,000 Lives Lost, Water Concerns Unresolved
