Greek police arrest 10 in Crete over livestock subsidy fraud and drug trafficking

Coordinated operation in Mylopotamos

Police authorities in Crete conducted a coordinated operation in the municipality of Mylopotamos during the morning of 19 September 2026. The operation was led by the Drug Prosecution Department of the Rethymno Crime Prosecution and Investigation Sub-directorate following a multi-month investigation into organized illicit activity. Specialized units assisted in the operation, including the Police Operations Departments of Mylopotamos and Rethymno, the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (EKAM) of Crete, and Crime Prevention and Suppression Teams from both Rethymno and Heraklion. Officers executed search warrants across residential properties, sheepfolds, and surrounding rural facilities used by the suspects. The operation resulted in the arrest of ten individuals, the majority of whom belong to the same family.

Agricultural subsidy fraud and livestock audits

A central focus of the investigation involves fraudulent claims submitted for agricultural and livestock subsidies through OPEKEPE. During physical inspections of the suspects' sheepfolds, officers conducted counts of the livestock and recorded violations of police regulations governing livestock theft, specifically noting the inability of operators to assemble their herds for inspection. Wherever counting was feasible, authorities discovered significantly fewer sheep and goats than the numbers officially declared on administrative paperwork. Investigators determined that the group used falsified documentation and borrowed animals to misrepresent flock sizes and secure illegal financial benefits. The illicit revenues obtained from the subsidy fraud and narcotics operations were subsequently laundered into mobile and real estate acquisitions.

Cultivation site and seized assets

In addition to the financial irregularities, search teams uncovered an active narcotics cultivation site adjacent to a sheepfold belonging to one of the Greek suspects. The plantation was situated in a specially configured area concealed by natural fencing and contained 11 cultivated cannabis plants reaching heights of up to 3 metres. Two foreign nationals residing in Greece without legal residency documents were located at the site in possession of cannabis quantities. Across all raided locations, authorities confiscated 995 grams of processed cannabis, €1,850 in cash derived from illicit activities, 18 mobile phones, three knives, and two precision scales. Law enforcement also impounded eight motor vehicles and recovered a stolen construction machine, which was returned to its rightful owner.

Judicial proceedings and ongoing inquiries

The ten detainees, consisting of eight Greek nationals and two foreign nationals, were scheduled for transfer to the Rethymno Misdemeanours Prosecutor. The formal charges encompass forming a criminal organization, agricultural subsidy fraud, narcotics trafficking, weapons violations, immigration law breaches, tax evasion, property damage, theft, and violations of livestock theft regulations. The Drug Prosecution Department of the Rethymno Crime Prosecution and Investigation Sub-directorate remains in charge of the preliminary investigation. Inquiries continue to establish the specific role of each participant and examine the complete scope of the financial transactions.