Slovakia: EPPO indicts suspect for fraud involving forest development

(Luxembourg, 8 October 2026) – Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bratislava (Slovakia) filed an indictment at the Slovak Specialised Criminal Court against one individual for fraud involving a project to develop forest areas, co-funded by the EU.

In 2018, the suspect, acting on behalf of a company, applied for a non-repayable grant to the Agricultural Payments Agency under Slovakia’s Rural Development Programme (2014–2020). The grant was co-funded by the EU, which covered 75% (€144 479), with the remaining 25% (€48 159) provided by the Slovak state budget. The main objective of the project was to strengthen the competitiveness of forestry through the purchase of modern machinery.  

One of the conditions for the project’s approval was that at least 70% of the annual revenue should come from forestry production or the provision of forestry services. To support the application, the defendant stated that revenue from such sources accounted for 100% of the company’s total turnover in 2017. However, the evidence showed that the company had no actual revenue at that time. The defendant is also accused of submitting fictitious contracts for services provided in forestry and timber harvesting to demonstrate that he was an eligible beneficiary. 

Subsequently, the defendant purchased machinery – a forestry tractor and accessories – and submitted a payment claim for €192 639. However, the investigation showed that he had never used the machinery. The defendant had lent it to another company that was based at the same address and managed by the partner of the defendant, which used it for agricultural activities instead of forestry. 

The defendant’s conduct caused an estimated damage of €192 639. 

If found guilty, the defendant could face a prison sentence of up to six years and a fine of up to €3 million.

The investigation was supported by the Office for Combating Organised Crime of the Police Force Headquarters (Úrad boja proti organizovanej kriminalite Prezídia Policajného zboru - ÚBOK).

All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until found guilty in the competent Slovak 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.