Title: First European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) Case in Slovenia: Maribor Local Court Concludes with Financial Fraud Convictions

Published on July 18, 2022

The Maribor Local Court (Okrajno sodišče v Mariboru) in Slovenia recently handed down a significant judgement in the first European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) case in the country.

Significant Judgement in the First EPPO Case in Slovenia

The court found three defendants – two individuals and one company – guilty of attempted fraud that targeted the EU budget. With this case, the EPPO and Slovenian authorities demonstrate their commitment to protecting EU funds and ensuring the integrity of public tenders in the country.

Defendants Cooperated to Present Falsified Documents

The first defendant, the director of a Maribor-based company, and the second defendant, the director of a separate business entity:
- Cooperated to present falsified documents to the Slovenian Ministry of Infrastructure
- Application to co-finance the acquisition and implementation of devices to generate electrical energy
- Targeted multimillion-euro EU Cohesion Fund-supported project
Aim: Securing €31,300 in non-repayable grant money for the company under the first defendant’s leadership
Unlawful scheme detected, preventing the payment of the grant

Sentencing

Each of the two natural persons faces:

7 months of suspended imprisonment
A two-year probationary period

The convicted company must pay:

€10,000 fine within a two-year probationary period

Milestone for EPPO and Slovenian Authorities

This case marks a significant milestone for the EPPO and Slovenian authorities in their ongoing campaign against financial fraud. The trial is expected to serve as an example for potential offenders, while acting as a deterrent towards fraudulent activities.