(Luxembourg, 29 April 2025) – Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bratislava (Slovakia) filed an indictment at the Specialised Criminal Court against one individual, for fraud involving projects for the cultivation of agricultural land.
Over the course of three years (2020, 2021 and 2022), the accused individual, in his role as self-employed farmer, requested direct payments under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for agricultural areas exceeding 100 hectares in East Slovakia.
It is alleged that the accused submitted incorrect statements to Slovakia’s Agricultural Paying Agency (APA), in which he falsely declared that he managed those agricultural areas. It emerged, however, that these areas were not managed by the accused in accordance with the required legal conditions and, moreover, the accused did not even have lease agreements with the landowners for them. An inspection by the APA revealed these inconsistencies.
It is estimated that more than €53 000 in damage to the EU budget has been prevented, due to the inspection.
If found guilty, the accused could face a prison sentence of up to six years and a fine of up to €330 000.
All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Slovak 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.