The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) conducted a raid on European Union institutions in Belgium, as part of an investigation into a fraud case concerning EU training programs for young diplomats. Currently, the authorities have proceeded with three arrests, one of whom is the former Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini.
Three individuals were detained, while the investigations extended to the suspects' residences, with the assistance of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the Belgian authorities.
The case primarily concerns a possible illegal leak of confidential information during the procedure for awarding the nine-month program of the European Diplomatic Academy.
"Upon request from the EPPO, approved by the investigating judge, the Federal Police (FGP West-Vlaanderen) conducted searches in various buildings of the College of Europe in Brussels, the European External Action Service in Brussels, and the suspects' homes. The investigative actions were also supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)," states the official announcement of the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
The issue concerns the project of the EU's European Diplomatic Academy (a nine-month training program for young diplomats from member states), commissioned by the European External Action Service (EEAS) to the College of Europe in Belgium, during the period 2021–2022, following a tender procedure.
The investigation focuses on whether the College of Europe and/or its representatives knew in advance the selection criteria of the tender and had sufficient reason to believe that they would be awarded the implementation of the project, prior to the official publication of the call by the EEAS.
There are serious suspicions that, during the tender procedure for the program, Article 169 of the Financial Regulation concerning fair competition was violated, and that confidential information about the current procurement was disclosed to one of the candidates participating in the tender.
Waiver of immunity
Prior to conducting the searches, the EPPO requested the waiver of immunity for certain suspects, a request which was approved.
The facts under examination had initially been reported to OLAF. They could constitute procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the facts and assess whether criminal offenses have been committed. The investigation is also supported by the Belgian investigating judge in West Flanders (Ypres area).
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