site.btaEuropean Public Prosecutor's Office Uncovers Fraud Involving European Funds in Romania, Suspects Linked to Italian Mafia

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), led by Laura Kovesi, has uncovered a EUR 100 million fraud involving EU funds in Romania, according to Digi24. Charges have been brought against three individuals, and the criminal case has been submitted to a court in Bucharest, according to a press release from the investigative body.

The case concerns members of a criminal group that operated in Romania between 2019 and 2024. The group participated in tenders organized by Romanian authorities through three Italian consortia. Two of these consortia had previously been banned by the Italian authorities from receiving public funds, in accordance with the Italian Anti-Mafia Code.

To demonstrate financial capacity and experience with similar projects, the accused submitted falsified documents, including reports claiming that the Italian companies had an average annual turnover of over EUR 50 million. In reality, the investigation found that the turnover was 30 times lower. They also submitted contracts for construction work in Iraq, which, based on the evidence, were fraudulent.

Relying on the principle of loyal cooperation, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office warned the Romanian Ministry of Investments and European Projects about shortcomings in the management of EU funds, highlighting the high risk of fraud and recommending that verification procedures be strengthened, according to the statement.