European prosecutors investigate alleged EU farm subsidy fraud scheme in Romania

European prosecutors investigate alleged EU farm subsidy fraud scheme in Romania

European prosecutors are investigating 22 individuals over alleged subsidy fraud involving non-repayable EU funds meant to support small farms and young farmers in Romania, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) stated.

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.