Greek authorities arrested 20 individuals on the island of Crete on Monday, dismantling a criminal network suspected of defrauding the European Union of agricultural subsidies. Operating since 2019, the gang allegedly generated more than €3 million ($3.49 million) in illegal revenue by submitting fraudulent fund applications based on false land declarations. The
Greek farmers launched nationwide protests on Monday, shutting down Crete’s Heraklion airport, blocking roads and border crossings, and clashing with police over delays in European Union subsidy payments. Thousands of tractors and trucks created blockades in more than 20 locations, with air traffic disrupted after demonstrators forced their way onto the airport runway.

