EU agricultural subsidy fraud: precautionary measures against ten suspects, applications handled by an irregular CAA and ISMEA land
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In breve: on 22 October 2026, at the request of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Palermo, the Carabinieri of the Command for the protection of agri-food (Comando per la tutela agroalimentare) carried out personal precautionary measures against ten suspects, ordered by the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) of the Court of Enna. According to the prosecution, two criminal groups handled European subsidy applications on behalf of dozens of farmers using deceptive methods, through an agricultural assistance centre (Centro di assistenza agricola, CAA) that operated irregularly. For anyone submitting or processing public subsidy files, the detail matters: the ISMEA land under concession was used to support the applications even though the rents had not been paid.
What happened?
The measures carried out are: one pre-trial detention in prison, five house arrests and, for four suspects, a one-year ban on carrying on business activities. The investigation, carried out between 2024 and 2025, hypothesises two criminal groups that handled agricultural subsidy applications for dozens of local farmers, harming the financial interests of the European Union.
Thirteen people are charged, in connection with two alleged criminal associations and other offences, including aggravated fraud to obtain public funds and the unlawful exercise of public functions. The seizure orders and other asset-related measures amount to 927,000 euros, including seizures of equivalent value.
The proceedings are at the investigation stage. As the press release specifies, all the persons involved are considered innocent until their guilt is proven before the competent Italian courts.
How the scheme worked, according to the prosecution
- Files handled on behalf of third parties: the groups submitted subsidy applications for dozens of farmers, using deceptive methods to obtain the funds.
- A CAA operating irregularly: the processing of the applications went through an agricultural assistance centre which, according to the investigation, acted without authorisation.
- ISMEA land: part of the land had been leased by the Istituto di servizi per il mercato agricolo alimentare (ISMEA, the public agency supporting the agricultural sector and facilitating access to land). According to the investigation, that land supported the subsidy applications even though the rents due under the concession contracts had not been paid.
Why it matters for those who apply for or manage subsidies
The press release does not describe new rules: it shows which elements of a file attract the attention of investigators. These are the ownership or availability of the land supporting the application, the regularity of the person submitting the file on behalf of the business, and compliance with payment obligations towards the granting body. How far this will translate into tighter checks by the paying agencies does not emerge from the press release, and we do not state it.
What to check before entrusting or submitting a file
- Who submits the file: verify that the CAA or consultant is actually authorised to operate, and ask to see the proxy and the file concerning them.
- The title to the land: check that the lease or concession contract is in order and that the rents due are paid, especially if the land belongs to a public body such as ISMEA.
- Applications filed in your name: obtain a copy of what has been declared and check that it matches your real situation.
- Counterparties: if you entrust the file to someone or join forces with other businesses, check insolvency proceedings, protests and persons holding significant positions or shares.
Insolvency proceedings and the beneficial owner of a business can be seen, with source and date, in the check insolvency proceedings plus beneficial owner (14.90€). To see your business as the person processing the file sees it, there is the business report (from 19€).
Sources
- European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), «Italy: EPPO uncovers agricultural subsidy fraud involving two criminal groups», news item of 22 October 2026, read on 24/10/2026
Frequently asked questions
What measures were carried out on 22 October 2026?
Personal precautionary measures against ten suspects: one pre-trial detention in prison, five house arrests and, for four of them, a one-year ban on carrying on business activities, ordered by the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) of the Court of Enna at the request of the EPPO in Palermo.
How much are the seizures?
The seizure orders and other asset-related measures amount to 927,000 euros, including seizures of assets of equivalent value.
What role does ISMEA play in this case?
According to the investigation, part of the land used to support applications for European subsidies had been leased by ISMEA, but the rents due under the concession contracts had not been paid.
Are the suspects guilty?
No, not yet: all the persons involved are presumed innocent until their guilt is proven before the competent Italian courts.
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