EL 
EN 
The National Transparency Authority (NTA) conducted a systemic audit of OPEKA in 2024–2025, covering the period from January 10, 2020 to December 31, 2022, regarding the legality of decisions granting the Social Solidarity Allowance.
The Authority audited 372 files—applications for the allowance—which revealed numerous violations of the institutional framework:
Cases were identified in which:
a. the established application submission procedure was not followed, nor were applications processed in chronological order.
b. applications were approved despite missing supporting documents or failure to meet criteria (e.g., age limit).
c. The allowance was paid earlier than it should have been and thus for a longer period than the applicants were entitled to.
Specifically:
- Based on a sample audit of 178 approval decisions, the amount unduly paid was calculated at €723,480.
- From the sample audit of 91 approval decisions, the amount unduly paid was calculated at €216,543.
- From the re-examination of 76 approval decisions, which had also been reviewed by OPEKA internal audit team, the amount unduly paid was calculated at €895,554.
- From the audit of 27 applicant files, for which e-Government Center for Social Security (IDIKA) had identified a discrepancy between the recorded dates of birth and the Social Insurance Number (AMKA),
- Cases of undue payments totaling €60,650 were identified.
Reason for the audit:
Following an extraordinary internal audit conducted by OPEKA, it was found that an attempt was made to improperly approve applications by a former supervisor who retained in his/her possession files containing applications for the granting of benefits.
A former supervisor, even after being seconded to a department outside OPEKA, submitted and attempted to improperly approve applications within the Organization.
In addition, the organization’s internal audit also revealed that, during the tenure of two (2) supervisors of the department responsible for granting the allowance, individuals (not applicants) visited the OPEKA headquarters, who appear to have submitted applications for the allowance outside the established procedure.
Proposals – Recommendations:
1. Initiation of disciplinary proceedings by OPEKA Administration against the responsible employee
2. Recovery of unduly paid amounts by the relevant OPEKA Directorate
3. Specific proposals to strengthen oversight of compliance with the conditions for granting the allowance
The audit report was forwarded to the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office for investigation of any potential criminal liability.