On 30 November 2022, in an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), police in Czechia – the Regional Directorate of the Olomouc Region – carried out 15 home searches and searches of non-residential premises, on suspicion of criminal offences against the EU’s financial interests, including subsidy fraud and illegal advantage in public procurement.
The suspicious criminal activity consisted of an artificial increase by the suspects of more than twice the price of machinery and means of production, which were funded by the European Union.
Seven suspects have been charged. If found guilty, they risk between 2 and 8 years in prison. Two mechanical engineering companies have also been indicted.
The total amount of estimated damages is at least €448 000 (CZK 11 million). The police authorities and the EPPO seized property of the suspects worth more than €1 000 000, in order to recover the damages to the EU budget.