Three people were arrested after searches at the offices of the European Union’s diplomatic corps and at a prestigious graduate school. The Attorney General’s Office reported that an alleged fraud related to the training of future diplomats was being investigated.
“Today searches are being conducted at the College of Europe In Bruges (Belgium) and at the European External Action Service (EEAS, EEASThe European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) reported to the International Criminal Court in Brussels, as part of an investigation into alleged fraud related to EU-funded training for young diplomats.
The authority added that “three suspects were arrested,” without revealing their identities.
Possibility of unfair competition in previous states
The searches, carried out by the Belgian Federal Police at the request of the EPPO, focused on several buildings of the College of Europe and the European Action Service, as well as the homes of the suspects, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
An EU official confirmed the inspections had taken place and said investigators were looking into activities carried out during previous mandates. Kaja Kallas, the current EU top diplomat and High Representative for Foreign Affairs, took office one year ago.
According to EPPO, the problem lies in a nine-month training program for young diplomats in EU member states, known as the EU Diplomatic Academy.
The program was awarded by EEAS to College of Europe in Belgium for the period 2021-2022, and the investigation is focusing on whether the tender process was biased in favor of College of Europe.
“Strong suspicions” of fraud and corruption
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that “there are strong suspicions that confidential information relating to ongoing recruitment was exchanged with one of the candidates participating in the tender.”
The European Prosecutor’s Office claimed that it requested and obtained the lifting of immunity for several suspects before the searches.
The Attorney General’s Office stated that, if confirmed, the charges “may constitute contract fraud, corruption, a conflict of interest, and a violation of professional confidentiality.” He added, “The investigation is continuing to clarify the facts and assess whether crimes have been committed.”
The European Prosecutor’s Office is the independent prosecutor’s office of the European Union, responsible for investigating crimes against the bloc’s financial interests. The investigation is also supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which was initially informed of the investigated facts.
RML (Reuters, AFP)