Police conduct raids over alleged misappropriation of EU funds by ID group
Police raids are taking place in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of European funds.
Police conduct raids over alleged misappropriation of EU funds by ID group
Police and customs raids are taking place simultaneously in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of European Union funds by former far-right Members of the European Parliament. The AFP agency reported this, citing the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), as reported by the media outlet Seznam Zprávy.
The EPPO confirmed that these operations are linked to an investigation into facts that occurred between 2019 and 2024. The suspicions target the Identity and Democracy group (ID), which brought together far-right and nationalist parties during the previous parliamentary term in the European Parliament. Among its members were Marine Le Pen's French Rassemblement national, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Czech party Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD).
In July 2025, the EPPO opened an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of 4.3 million euros, equivalent to approximately 105 million Czech crowns. These funds were intended to finance the operation of the parliamentary group, but investigators are examining whether they were used in accordance with regulations.
The raids are taking place at multiple locations simultaneously. According to French newspaper Le Monde, operations are occurring not only in France but also in Belgium, Italy and Spain. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) had previously reported irregularities in the use of subsidies by certain political groups in the European Parliament.
This investigation comes at a time when the far-right is attempting to strengthen its positions in Europe ahead of upcoming elections. The case could impact perceptions of the financial management transparency of eurosceptic parties.
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)