Focus on High-Profile EU Fraud Cases

Europe’s first Chief Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, arrived in Greece on Tuesday amid ongoing investigations into large-scale EU funds fraud. Her visit highlights the pressure on Athens as political tensions rise.

Political Context

The trip comes at a challenging time for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his centre-right New Democracy party. Recent polls show 70% of Greeks view the government as corrupt, while 74% believe it is covering up scandals.

Contract 717 Probe

One of the most significant cases is “Contract 717,” a €41 million EU-funded rail project intended to install remote-control signalling systems. The project was never completed. Kövesi has stated that if it had been implemented, the 2022 Tempi train disaster, which killed 57 people, might have been avoided.

Agricultural Subsidy Scandal

A second major investigation targets fraudulent EU agricultural subsidies. EPPO found that some applicants falsified land ownership, used fake addresses, and submitted forged leases. The scandal led to four ministerial resignations and the closure of the responsible agency.

Operation Calypso

The third case, “Operation Calypso,” focuses on criminal networks – reportedly led by Chinese nationals – evading customs duties and VAT at Piraeus port. Over 2,400 shipping containers have been seized, making it one of EPPO’s largest enforcement actions in Greece.

Strained Government Relations

Kövesi has previously accused the Greek government of obstructing investigations, particularly the rail crash inquiry. She criticised constitutional rules that protect ministers from prosecution, which New Democracy’s parliamentary majority enforces.

Calls for Constitutional Reform

Kövesi has written to the European Commission urging amendments to Greek laws to increase ministerial accountability. The proposals have drawn strong pushback from Athens, with Prime Minister Mitsotakis telling her to “stick to her competencies.”

Threats of Removal

Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis suggested that Greece could explore ways to have Kövesi removed through Brussels, signalling ongoing tensions between Athens and EPPO.

Scheduled Meetings

During her visit, Kövesi is expected to meet the finance, justice, and interior ministers. She will also hold discussions with the heads of police, customs, and the prosecutor general, as well as EPPO’s Athens office.

Focus on Cooperation

An EPPO spokesperson said Kövesi will emphasise solutions for better detection and enhanced judicial cooperation across Greek authorities.

Press Conference Plans

The spokesperson confirmed a press conference on Thursday, likely in Piraeus, to highlight the Calypso operation. “It’s the biggest seizure we’ve had and a major customs case,” they said.

EU Support

EPPO investigations in Greece are part of wider EU efforts to prevent fraud. Kövesi’s work has received backing from European institutions aiming to ensure proper use of EU funds.

Public Attention

Kövesi’s visit comes amid high public scrutiny, with Greeks closely monitoring how the government handles corruption and mismanagement allegations.

Previous Criticisms

The prosecutor has openly criticised ministers’ immunity laws, arguing they prevent accountability and undermine public trust in governance.

Economic and Political Implications

The EU funds fraud cases have broad economic and political consequences, affecting public confidence in Greece’s administration and EU oversight mechanisms.

Commitment to Justice

Kövesi has reiterated that her goal is not to punish but to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to EU laws in managing public funds.

International Dimension

The visit also underscores the EU’s commitment to tackling cross-border criminal networks, including those involved in customs and tax evasion.

Looking Ahead

The coming days will see Kövesi engaging with Greek officials and coordinating with EPPO to strengthen anti-fraud measures, while the press conference is expected to provide further updates on Operation Calypso.