Full Breakdown
EU Anti-Fraud Office Probes Greece’s Migrant Camp Contracts
5/19/2026, 2:21:29 AM
Investigation into Two Migrant Reception Camps
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has opened a formal probe into the contracts awarded for two migrant reception facilities in Greece – one in Malakasa, north of Athens, and another in Sintiki, in the Serres region. The inquiry examines the cost and procurement process used when the Greek government directly awarded the contracts in 2020, after the International Organization for Migration (IOM) completed construction in 2019.
Context and Construction of the Camps
Greece’s Aegean islands were the main entry point for Middle-East migrants during the 2015 crisis. The IOM built the Malakasa and Sintiki facilities up to 2019, after which the Greek government assumed oversight and the camps became operational.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 2015 – Aegean islands become primary entry for migrants.
- 2015-2019 – IOM constructs Malakasa and Sintiki camps.
- 2020 – New Democracy government directly awards contracts, citing urgent need.
- 2020 – UNHCR records arrivals drop from 74,649 (2019) to 15,696.
- 2020 – European Commission and Greek audit office issue a positive audit.
- EPPO opens investigation into the 2020 contracts (date not disclosed).
Arrival Data and Camp Locations
UNHCR reports 74,649 arrivals in 2019 and 15,696 in 2020. The two camps are located in Malakasa (north of Athens) and Sintiki (Serres region).
Official Statements from EPPO and Greek Authorities
The EPPO declined to comment on the investigation’s specifics, citing the need to protect procedural integrity. A senior official from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s administration noted that the project received a positive audit from both the European Commission and Greece’s audit office, emphasizing that the audit covered both bodies.
Parliamentary Opposition to Direct Award
Opposition parties in parliament raised the issue of the 2020 direct award of the contracts. The criticism came as UNHCR data showed a dramatic drop in arrivals that year.
Conflicting Findings and Justifications
The 2020 positive audit contrasts with the EPPO’s probe, suggesting possible undisclosed irregularities, while the government’s justification of urgent need appears inconsistent with UNHCR’s data on reduced arrivals. The government had justified the direct award by citing increased migrant flows at the time.
Verbatim Quotes
- “does not comment on ongoing investigations,” — EPPO spokesperson
- “This is in order not to endanger the possible ongoing procedures and their outcome. Whenever we can say something about any of our investigations, we will do so proactively.” — EPPO spokesperson
- “The project was audited back then both by the European Commission and Greece’s audit office and received a positive report,” — Senior official, Ministry of Migration and Asylum
Implications for EU Oversight
The investigation highlights EU oversight of migration-related spending and may shape future scrutiny of procurement processes for reception facilities. The probe may influence how EU funds for migration facilities are monitored and allocated.
Next Steps
The EPPO indicated it will provide information proactively when permissible. The EPPO’s approach aims to avoid endangering ongoing procedures.
