Hamburg Police searched flats and association premises over fraud involving EU integration funds
EPPO ordered raids in Hamburg: four suspects allegedly fraudulently obtained €739,583 from the AMIF fund and spent it for private purposes.
Hamburg Police searched flats and association premises over fraud involving EU integration funds
Police in Hamburg conducted raids on the orders of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and searched multiple residential buildings, flats, vehicles and business premises. The operation targeted four people suspected of organised subsidy fraud involving funds from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
According to investigators, the suspects are members of an association that works on the integration of migrants. In an application to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the association falsely stated that it met the conditions for financing from the EU fund. They claimed the money would be invested in carrying out an integration project, but the money was allegedly used for private purposes.
Investigators found that key figures in the association simultaneously led projects, which enabled them to control €739,583. The EPPO believes this sum was obtained through fraud.
During the searches, mobile phones and documents were seized, and the suspects' assets were frozen in the amount of the damage caused. The investigation was initiated by BAMF after indications of potential misuse emerged. Following its own investigation, BAMF revoked the funding decision.
Source: Večernji list
Source: Večernji list