The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Prague (Czechia) has brought charges against two individuals in a case of suspected subsidy and procurement fraud involving projects funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014–2020, with estimated damage amounting to € 600 000 (CZK 14 million).

The investigation uncovered that the suspects, acting as executives of a private company, applied for EU subsidies intended to support aquaculture development, even though the company did not meet the eligibility requirements at the time of application. They allegedly submitted false declarations and forged accounting documents to falsely demonstrate income from aquaculture activities, which the company had not actually generated.

As a result, the company received approximately €295 000 (CZK 7.48 million) in subsidy payments it was not entitled to, with the EU budget covering most of the amount. 

The investigation also revealed that the suspects manipulated several public procurement procedures related to the supply of aquaculture systems, by submitting fictitious references to secure contracts for a preselected supplier. These tenders concerned four separate projects, and the manipulation allowed the company to secure contracts with a total value of €770 000 (CZK 19.29 million), of which over €280 000 (CZK 7 million) was funded by the EU.

To secure the recovery of damage, the Czech Police (Policie České republiky) carried out three house searches and seized assets worth more than €600 000 (CZK 14 million), including real estate and bank accounts.

All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Czech courts of law.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.

Source - https://www.eppo.europa.eu