Italy: EPPO uncovers agricultural subsidy fraud involving two criminal groups

(Luxembourg, 22 October 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Palermo (Italy), officers from the Carabinieri Command for Agri-food Protection’s EU Fraud Section in Rome today executed personal precautionary measures against ten suspects. One was placed in pre-trial detention, five under house arrest, and four were banned from managing commercial activities for one year. The measures were ordered by the judge for preliminary investigations at the Court of Enna.

The investigation, carried out between 2024 and 2025, points to the existence of two criminal groups that allegedly managed agricultural subsidy applications on behalf of dozens of local farmers, using deceptive methods to secure EU subsidies for them and thereby harming the EU’s financial interests.

The investigation further revealed that an Agricultural Assistance Centre operating unlawfully was used to process applications to obtain the subsidies. The suspected scheme also involved farmland leased from the Institute of Services for the Agricultural and Food Market (ISMEA), an Italian public body that supports the agricultural sector and facilitates access to farmland. According to the investigation, the land was used to support claims for EU subsidies even though fees due under the relevant land concession agreements had not been paid.

Thirteen people face charges relating to two alleged criminal associations and several other offences, including aggravated fraud to obtain public funds and the unlawful exercise of public functions. 

The investigation has also led to seizure orders and other financial measures totalling €927 000, including orders for the seizure of assets of equivalent value.

All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.