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(Luxembourg, 16 January 2024) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bologna (Italy), a freezing order was executed yesterday against technology companies suspected of aggravated fraud involving research projects, with an estimated damage of €730 000.
On the radar of the EPPO are technology companies that fraudulently obtained EU funds for scientific research and innovation projects, under the Horizon 2020 programme.
The EPPO commenced its investigation following a report by the European Court of Auditors concerning one company and one project. The investigation was then broadened to another company and several additional projects funded under the same programme.
The suspects are a Tuscan couple, active in the technology sector in the province of Florence. Over the years, the couple’s companies have benefited from substantial EU contributions, aimed at scientific research and technological innovation in different fields. However, according to the evidence, the legal representatives of the companies under investigation falsified timesheets in order to obtain undue reimbursements for staff expenses.
The freezing order, issued at the request of the EPPO by the judge for preliminary investigations of the court of Florence, was executed by the EPPO Section of the Carabinieri of Bologna’s Investigative Department.
All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian 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.