European Public Prosecutor's Office,update

 

14/01/2026   European Public Prosecutor's Office News

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Press release

Italy: Assets seized as EPPO uncovers agricultural funding fraud in Sardinia (Luxembourg, 14 January 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Rome (Italy), the Italian Carabinieri carried out preventive seizures in an investigation into a fraud scheme affecting EU agricultural funds in Sardinia. The investigation revealed a complex fraud scheme involving the false declaration of ownership and availability of agricultural land to obtain EU subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Between 2020 and 2023, the suspects, acting through multiple companies under their control, are believed to have submitted applications for EU rural development funds, falsely declaring to farm or lease land parcels they did not own or legally hold. According to the evidence, these declarations were certified by a regional agricultural assistance centre (called ‘CAA’), which failed to carry out proper due diligence, allowing the disbursement of over €114 000 in public funds. Allegedly, the unlawfully obtained funds were subsequently laundered through bank accounts and reinvested in commercial activities and movable assets, including the acquisition of a high-end SUV. The case is part of a broader investigative effort aimed at combating fraud in the agricultural subsidy sector in Sardinia. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (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

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