Headline: European Public Prosecutor’s Office Referrals a €1.7 Million Agricultural Holding Fraud Case to Romanian Tribunal

October 24, 2023 - Luxembourg

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest has referred a criminal case of EU funding fraud to the Bucharest Tribunal. The accused individuals and companies are facing indictments for allegedly obtaining €1.9 million (RON 9 210 491) through false and fraudulent means, resulting in an estimated damage of €1.7 million (RON 8 358 821).

Individuals and Companies under Investigation

Initially, five individuals and two companies were under investigation for their involvement in this elaborate scheme. Two of the individuals have confessed to their roles and have initiated plea bargaining negotiations. The remaining accused are:

• The administrator of the company receiving the EU funding, who is also a member of the Romanian Parliament
• The representative of the other company from the EU funding process
• The accountant for these two companies

Alleged Fraudulent Activities

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office reported that these defendants submitted misleading and deceptive documentation to secure EU funds for the creation of an agricultural holding. The investigation resulted in the disbursement of €200,000 being halted due to the evidence of fraud coming to light.

Role of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is an independent public prosecution body of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing defendants to judgment for crimes against the EU’s financial interests.

Court Proceedings and Consequences

The Bucharest Tribunal will judge the remaining defendants. If convicted, they may face imprisonment for up to seven years, and the companies could be liable to pay monetary penalties ranging from €3,600 to €300,000.