A Greek misdemeanors court on Wednesday convicted all 14 defendants in a case involving fraudulent EU agricultural subsidies issued by the country’s payments agency OPEKEPE, judicial officials said.
The Single-Member Misdemeanours Court handed down suspended prison sentences ranging from 10 to 18 months. Only one defendant was granted a mitigating circumstance for “sincere remorse,” the court’s presiding judge said.
“The court finds all defendants guilty. It rejects the mitigating circumstances requested, with the exception of the eighth defendant, who is recognized for sincere repentance,” the judge said.
The case concerned subsidies paid in 2020 that ranged between €5,000 and €40,000. The funds were intended to support the maintenance of agricultural land in good condition. Most defendants were based on the southern island of Crete, while the plots they claimed to have rented were located in northern Greece.
Earlier in the hearing, European Delegated Prosecutor Dionysis Mouzakis had requested convictions for all defendants, recommending leniency for one who returned the illicit funds.
PS In this sense we can say “Justice is Served” and no longer wonder why Greeks do not trust the justice sector.
quite crazy. Greece has had its reputation drragged through the mud, genuine tarmers have lost payments they need and these criminals get away. theiir proprty should be cobfiscated to repay the funds and 100% on top as punishment!!
So it’s OK to commit a crime as long as you say “Soz” afterwards?