Frauds Stated They Lived in Samaria Canyon Only to Receive EU Benefits

We have witnessed several frauds unrightfully receiving state or EU benefits, but that was a great surprise as it seems that some Cretans totally crossed the line.
The well-known Cretan website “Cretalive” revealed probably the biggest fraud ever to take place in Crete, and probably the most unexpected for Greece’s standards. As reported, hundreds of people from all across Crete had been registered as owners of private or rented facilities in Samaria Gorge or Samaria Canyon. It seems unbelievable, yet it is a dark truth in which Cretan journalists have shed light.
In 1962, it was announced as a National Park (with a Presidential Decree) to protect the rich flora and fauna that lies in it. Recently, Samaria was awarded by the Council of Europe as one of the most pristine and beautiful natural areas of the continent. The canyon is the largest in Europe, with a total length of 18 km and a hiking length in the canyon equal to 14km.
The Great Canyon is now allegedly full of private facilities and hotel rooms. According to official registrations, it appears inhabited by people on 80% of its surface. By “living” in Samaria, hundreds of smart Greeks were receiving EU and state benefits supposedly for “breeding.”
Among the areas that have been registered as places of residence or tourist facilities are mountains in Heraklion, Rethymno and tree-planting surfaces in Annabos and Kastigianolakos Selinou-Kandanou, the Therissos or Therisiano Gorge as well as the tree-planting area in Vlatous Kisamou.
According to the Cretalive story, the report of the Directorate of Forestry is absolutely surprising, and a huge file has been sent to the District Attorney. OPEKEPE (Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid), which is supervised by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, has started legal action against the recipients of the illegal benefits and the people who covered the fraud up all these years.

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