In three new ones detentions the authorities proceeded during today’s proceedings for his case OKAYbringing the total number of pre-trial detainees to 13.
The authorities’ investigation into the fraud ring and illegal disbursement of community funds continues at an intensive pace, while according to information, the new detentions concern persons who allegedly had an active role in the organization and management of the virtual declarations.
Among those who were released on parole it is also accountant.
“I deny the charges. They had a partner in the office who worked with a real estate broker. He made the changes in E9, as soon as I realized that I fixed it immediately. From the first moment I put the facts before the authorities. I have never made agricultural statements myself. Nothing illegal was found in my house, nor did I ever get any money from the subsidies.” the accountant is reported to have said.
He was also released father of the alleged leader of the organization after his apology. “I raised my children by myself, working 40 years, 15 hours a day as a farmer. I don’t want to believe what my son is accused of. Now I heard them for the first time too.”
One of the accused, who appeared as owner of plots of land which he leased to members of the ringcategorically denied his involvement. “I am unfairly accused, because the real culprits have not been identified”he reportedly said before the judicial authorities. “I trusted a broker, to whom I gave the taxisnet codes, to help me apply as a new farmer. He, without my knowledge, falsely registered parcels of land in my name. They assured me that everything was legal.”
A similar line of defense was followed by another defendant, professional farmer for four decades in the area of Pellawho is reported to have stated false data for lands which they are supposed to rent. “For 40 years I have been cultivating 800 acres and living exclusively from the land”, he reported. “I approached a broker to find me additional land to increase my production. He pointed me to plots of land, I cultivated them normally and paid all the expenses. I have provided all the documents and invoices of income – expenses, however they do not seem to have been taken into account.”
The apology remains of an accused who is in the hospital. An investigator and prosecutor will receive his statement there.