Romania: EPPO carries out searches in probe into misuse of funds

(Luxembourg, 12 March 2024) – Yesterday, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Timișoara and Bucharest (Romania) carried out searches in the city of Arad and in other locations, in a probe into a suspected fraud involving a project funded by the Regional Operational Programme 2014–2020, with over €3 million of non-reimbursable funding from the EU and national sources.

According to the investigation, the administrator of the beneficiary company falsified statements to declare works that were not fully executed. It is alleged that tax invoices, work reports, and quotations were forwarded to the intermediate body for the management of EU funds, appearing to attest to the completion of works that, in reality, were not fully executed.

During the searches, over €112 000, RON 17 300 and data and media storage were seized. The searches were carried out with the support of Timiș County Police (Inspectoratul de Poliție Județean Timiș) and the Arad County Inspectorate of Gendarmes (Inspectoratul de Jandarmi Județean Arad).

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.