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 group’s suspected leadership included two accountants and state employees who actively assisted farmers in executing the scheme.

This operation is the latest development in a broader investigation spearheaded by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office into crimes targeting the bloc’s financial interests in Greece. The widening probe follows charges laid last year against dozens of Greek stock-breeders who allegedly faked grazing land ownership with the assistance of state employees and conservative politicians. The systemic fraud has deeply shaken the country’s political landscape, previously triggering inconclusive parliamentary probes and ministerial resignations.

The escalating scandal has placed severe political pressure on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government as opposition parties demand early elections. In April, the Greek parliament voted to lift the immunity of 13 lawmakers from the ruling New Democracy party to allow for investigations into their suspected involvement in separate cases. With the next parliamentary election on the horizon for spring 2027, Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to fast-track their indictment decisions to contain the ongoing political fallout.

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