By Elena Galari

Thirteen defendants have been sent to prison after pleading guilty to illegal subsidies from OPEKEPE.

After the first pre-trial detention in the morning of a casual worker, who allegedly submitted false information, two more defendants who allegedly leased land with false information were sent to prison.

The remaining 23 defendants are free with restrictive conditions. Among them is the accountant who allegedly played a key role in the operation and organization of the circuit. In fact, information indicates that his apology played a role in his criminal treatment.

The father of the alleged leader of the organization was also released after his apology.

Also, the last defendant, who is hospitalized in Evangelismos, was released after his confession, where an investigator and a prosecutor went.

One of the accused, who appeared as the owner of plots of land which he leased to members of the ring, categorically denied his involvement.

“I trusted a broker, to whom I gave the taxisnet codes, to help me apply as a new farmer. He, without my knowledge, falsely registered parcels of land in my name. They assured me that everything was legal” said in the absolute about him.

An accused professional farmer in the area of ​​Pella is reported to have said:

“For 40 years now I have cultivated 800 acres and live exclusively from the land,” he said. “I approached a broker to find me additional land to increase my production. He pointed me to plots of land, I cultivated them normally and paid all the expenses. I have provided all the documents and invoices of income – expenses, however they do not seem to have been taken into account”.