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(Luxembourg, 19 July 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest (Romania) has initiated a criminal action against four individuals, in an investigation into a €600 000 fraud involving EU funds intended to support job opportunities for the unemployed.
According to the investigation, between July 2020 and November 2021, the suspects, through a company under their control, used inaccurate and false documents to claim the employment of 124 apprentices. It is believed that in reality, none of these apprentices worked for the company, and none received any salary. It is alleged that, by submitting these falsified documents, the suspects fraudulently obtained subsidies amounting to almost €600 000. Of this amount, €500 000 came from the European Social Fund and €100 000 from national funds.
In order to recover the allegedly defrauded funds, the EPPO office in Bucharest has ordered the seizure of all assets belonging to the suspects, up to the total amount of the damage. The suspects have been placed under judicial control by the EPPO.
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.