(Luxembourg, 27 May 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Munich (Germany) carried out searches at multiple locations in the federal state of Saxony, in an investigation into suspected subsidy fraud amounting to €200 000, involving funds from the European Social Fund (ESF).
The investigation concerns the suspected misuse of EU subsidies granted for the expansion of a building, and targets two suspects linked to a family-run business operating in the Christmas decoration sector.
The suspects are believed to have failed to disclose crucial information to the competent national authority – the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) – during the subsidised period, despite being under a legal obligation to do so. As a result, public funds in the amount of €200 000 were unlawfully obtained.
To secure potential recovery of the damages, assets were seized.
The searches and seizures were conducted by the Saxony State Office of Criminal Investigation (Landeskriminalamt Sachsen). In total, two company premises and three private residences were searched.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent German 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.