Lasithi: five arrests in livestock-theft case; subsidy claims also investigated
Police reported seven cases involving more than 320 animals and the seizure of 692 livestock bells. Findings concerning allegedly fictitious herds remain under investigation and are not a court ruling.
Five people were arrested in Lasithi as part of an investigation into a series of livestock thefts, while five more people are named in the case file, Hellenic Police said on 8 October 2026. The arrested individuals are being brought before the competent prosecutor.
Police allege that those involved were part of a group that had operated over the past five years. Depending on the individual, the case file includes allegations involving participation in a criminal group, livestock theft, aggravated theft, weapons-law violations and fraud relating to subsidies.
Seven theft cases and more than 320 animals
The police investigation linked the group to seven livestock-theft cases involving more than 320 sheep and goats in total, as well as three thefts of livestock bells.
Searches of homes, livestock facilities and vehicles led to the seizure of 692 bells, five sheep ear tags that could not be accounted for according to the announcement, two hunting guns because of inadequate storage, shepherd's staffs, clothing and a truck.
What the subsidy inquiry says
Police said that some livestock facilities contained substantially fewer animals than had been declared. Investigators then cross-checked the 2019–2025 Integrated Administration and Control System declarations of five people involved in the case.
According to Hellenic Police, the check produced strong indications of fictitious livestock declarations and the receipt of EU subsidies totalling €99,312.72. The amount is described as a finding of the police investigation; no final administrative assessment or recovery of funds by the competent authority has been announced.
The procedural stage
These are allegations and investigative findings that must be assessed by the courts. They do not amount to a conviction, and all people involved retain the presumption of innocence. The seized evidence will be sent to the competent prosecution evidence service, while police have requested the withdrawal of the licences for the two hunting guns.
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