By Helena Galaris

The House is forwarded to the OPECEPE case, as European prosecutors investigating illegal subsidies with European funds have “stumbled” on politicians.

It is reportedly the former Ministers of Rural Development Maki Voridis and Lefteris Avgenakis.

For these persons, the European prosecutors immediately sent the dossier with all the details to the House through the Supreme Court prosecutor for the offense of infidelity.

The announcement of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

Today, the European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens has referred to the Greek Parliament information on the alleged involvement of two former Ministers of Rural Development and Food on criminal offenses. The Greek Constitution predicts that only the National Parliament has the power to investigate and prosecute in active or even former members of the Greek government.

As mentioned earlier, Eppo is conducting an investigation into a alleged organized fraud system involving agricultural funds and corruption involving OPEKEPE civil servants. During this investigation, information has emerged on the possible involvement of two former ministers in assisting and incitement to the EU’s embezzlement in the exercise of their official duties.

According to the Hellenic Constitution, if there are evidence of offenses committed by ministers during a investigation, even if they then leave their position, they should be forwarded to Parliament immediately. This makes it impossible to fully perform Eppo’s duties and requires the split of its ongoing investigation into the possible criminal liability of members of the Greek government.

Eppo had to comply with applicable national legislation, which forbids EPPO from investigating and prosecuting in active or former members of the Greek government. However, in our view, this limits Eppo’s jurisdiction, in violation of the EPPO Regulation. As this is a matter of compatibility between EU law and national law, Eppo has already reported this issue to the European Commission.

All interested persons are considered innocent until their guilt is proven by the competent Greek courts.

Eppo is the independent prosecution of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecution and crimes against EU financial interests.