European Public Prosecutor's Office/ΕΥΡΩΠΑΪΚΗ ΕΙΣΑΓΓΕΛΙΑ,ενημέρωση

 

21/11/2025   European Public Prosecutor's Office News

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Press release

Bulgaria: EPPO conducts searches and seizures in subsidy fraud investigation involving agricultural funds (Luxembourg, 21 November 2025) – In an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia (Bulgaria), the General Directorate of the National Police (Главна дирекция "Национална полиция) carried out several searches and seizures this week, as part of an investigation into suspected subsidy fraud involving EU agricultural funds. The investigation concerns the suspected submission of false or misleading information in applications for financial support under various EU schemes intended for farmers between 2023 and 2025. According to the evidence, a beneficiary company is believed to have submitted untrue data to the Municipal Office for agriculture in Burgas, with the alleged involvement of high-ranking public officials responsible for certifying information in the management systems of the Ministry of Agriculture. The searches were carried out at the premises of the District Agriculture Office, the business office of the beneficiary company, and the residence of a high-ranking public official. Documents, digital data and mobile phones were seized. The suspected activities are believed to have enabled the unlawful obtainment of EU agricultural funds, causing financial losses to both the EU and the national budget. While the exact damage is still being assessed, preliminary indications suggest losses amounting to several hundred thousand euro annually. The investigation is also examining indications of an organised criminal group involving public officials and individuals connected to the beneficiary. All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Bulgarian courts of law. The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.   more   19/11/2025   European Public Prosecutor's Office News Follow us  |  |  |  Press release Italy: EPPO uncovers criminal scheme to defraud €3.7 million intended to support Italian companies (Luxembourg, 19 November 2025) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Rome (Italy), the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) of Pescara carried out searches and seized assets on Tuesday, in an investigation into a €3.7 million fraud scheme to obtain funds intended to support small and medium companies (SMEs), including those affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Pursuant to a court order to freeze up to €3.7 million, obtained by the EPPO, the Italian Financial Police conducted searches in the cities of Pescara, Chieti and Agrigento, and seized a real estate property, eight luxury watches, a golden necklace and cash. A total of 50 bank accounts belonging to the suspects were also frozen. On the radar of the EPPO are ten suspects, believed to operate a criminal organisation to carry out fraud schemes intended to illicitly obtain public funds (both national and European) and loans for Italian companies. The funding was intended to support SMEs, promote digital transition or assist companies impacted by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The investigation began when a tax audit of a company operating in the city of Pescara uncovered possible fraud involving false declarations to obtain EU and national funds, including those from the Next Generation EU programme. In particular, the investigation brought to light forged invoices and balance sheets of Italian companies, which were used to inflate their turnover and thereby demonstrate financial capacity to receive grants for the years 2021 and 2022.   more