The Independent Public Revenue Authority enters the trajectory of wide organizational and operational restructuring (AADE), now taking on expanded responsibilities in the field of checkwith the basic aim of enhancing transparency, fighting tax evasion, smuggling and resource waste, through a single, technocratically enhanced and digitally equipped supervision mechanism that will ensure the good use of public resources and enhancement.
The absorption of SDOE by AADE marks the complete integration of audit services into a system that aspires to operate without political intervention, with emphasis on the speed of controls, accuracy and utilization of modern digital tools. The new structure provides for a single management of financial crime cases, combining SDOE’s audit experience with the technological capabilities of AADE.
At the same time, it is of particular importance to the new role of AADE in the field of agricultural policy after the absorption of OPEKEPE. The Authority will undertake the supervision and management of agricultural aid, with the aim of rational and just allocation of Community resources, preventing the supply of the subsidy system and supporting the primary sector.
According to competent sources, the utilization of interoperable digital systems will allow more effective monitoring and crossing of the data of the beneficiaries of agricultural subsidies, contributing to both transparency and the reduction of bureaucracy.
The changes are part of a broader Public Administration Reform Plan, with the aim of gathering responsibilities into less, stronger and more functionally efficient bodies. The new phase for AADE is expected to gradually be implemented in the second half of 2025, with full-time incorporation within 18-24 months.
The end of SDOE – the beginning of a strong control mechanism
The historic SDOE, founded in 1997, went through periods of reinforcement and weakening, until it was put into a final abolition with a provision included in the forthcoming bill on the new Customs Code. The responsibilities, the means and, in particular, its experienced 200 employees, are transferred to AADE. There, in collaboration with the Special Forces of DEOS, they will form an enhanced front and preventive controls in critical areas, from VAT and “black” money to smuggling of energy and tobacco products.
The merger of audit structures into a central and independent authority is not only an organizational restructuring, but a strategic choice of efficiency. AADE already has advanced digital tools, such as banking and electronic property interconnection, allowing real -time risk analysis and immediate targeting of tax offenses.
A new chapter in agricultural aid
At the same time, the government’s decision to convey to AADE the critical functions of OPEKEPE – that is, the payments and controls of agricultural aid – marks a deep reform in the primary sector.
The new system will be based on interoperable information systems, standard procedures and strict digital media controls. The transfer of staff and responsibilities to AADE will be completed by the second half of 2026, based on a plan under the supervision of the Deputy Prime Minister and with the help of the Ministries of Finance and Rural Development.
The new era that rises for agricultural aid promises transparency, speed, better service of farmers and – above all – an end to pathogens that have plagued the countryside and cost valuable resources in the primary sector.
Operational Plan: Objectives accurately and scale
The breadth and depth of the changes are also reflected in the ambitious goals of the AADE Operational Control Plan for 2025.
Includes, among other things:
- 28,500 targeted tax audits, of which 4,200 for VAT refunds and 2,500 on real estate transfers and parental benefits.
- 73,400 Customs Prosecution Controls, from smuggled fuel and falsified products to the Postal Parcels and Fluids.
- 43,000 on-the-spot prevention controls, and 13,600 mobile team controls, with X-ray utilization, anti-tactile vessels and modern digital tools.
All of this is part of a new philosophy: single control, horizontal use of digital data and targeting where most of the financial space is lost.
Source: RES-EIA