Germany: EPPO carries out searches in probe into subsidy fraud involving EU migration and integration funds

 

01/07/2026   European Public Prosecutor's Office News

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Germany: EPPO carries out searches in probe into subsidy fraud involving EU migration and integration funds (Luxembourg, 1 July 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Hamburg (Germany) has carried out searches and asset seizure measures in an investigation into suspected organised subsidy fraud involving funding from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021–2027. According to the investigation, the suspects are believed to have acted together over several years to obtain and misuse EU funding intended for an integration project. In an application submitted to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the association allegedly falsely claimed that it met the eligibility requirements for AMIF funding and that the requested funds would be used for the implementation of the project. The investigation indicates that the association was used as a vehicle to obtain EU subsidies, while the funds were in reality diverted for private purposes. The suspects are believed to have occupied key positions within both the association and the funded project, enabling them to exercise control over the management and use of the subsidies. Based on the evidence gathered so far, the suspects obtained €739 583.90 in EU funding through the fraudulent scheme. The searches were conducted at the homes of four suspects in Hanover and at the premises of an association active in the field of migrant integration. During the searches, electronic evidence, including mobile phones and other digital devices, as well as documentation relating to the management of the project and the use of the funds were secured. At the request of the EPPO, asset seizure measures were also ordered against the suspects, corresponding to the alleged damage caused to the EU budget. The investigation was initiated after indications of possible fraud in the implementation of the project were reported to BAMF. Following its own checks, BAMF retroactively withdrew the funding decision. The investigative measures today were carried out on behalf of the EPPO by the Lower Saxony State Criminal Investigation Office (Landeskriminalamt Niedersachsen). At the same time, it enforced orders obtained by the Hanover Public Prosecutor’s Office in proceedings conducted concerning national subsidies. All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent German 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.

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