European prosecutors look into 22 people over alleged EU farm subsidy fraud in Romania

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) stated that European prosecutors are examining 22 individuals in connection with alleged subsidy fraud involving non-repayable EU funds intended to support small farms and young farmers in Romania.

The probe centers on an authorized consultant suspected of submitting false and inaccurate documents for 237 funding applications. While the total value of the requested funding amounted to approximately 5.7 million euros ($6.6 million), the EPPO estimates the actual damage to the EU budget at roughly 3.5 million euros ($4 million).

The funding was requested from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, a program designed to support the establishment of young farmers and the development of small farms. According to the EPPO, the consultant—the primary suspect—was arrested following searches on May 13. Three other individuals have been indicted and placed under judicial control.