Former head of European diplomacy and Rector of the College of Europe, Federica Mogherini, has been detained by Belgian police on suspicion of fraud.
Modern.az reports this, citing AFP.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) confirmed that searches were carried out at the headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels within the framework of an investigation into the possible misuse of EU funds. As a result of the operations, 3 suspects have been arrested.
In several buildings of the College of Europe in Bruges, as well as at the residences of the accused, parallel investigations were conducted. EPPO clarified that the detained individuals are accused of fraud, corruption, and criminal conflict of interest. During the searches, numerous documents were seized. The investigation is being conducted with the assistance of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
According to preliminary information, EEAS employees may have provided prior information to the College of Europe regarding the selection criteria of the 2021 tender to implement a ten-month training program for young diplomats. After the competition, the institution received 654,000 euros in funding. The College is headed by Federica Mogherini. Currently, no formal charges have been brought against anyone.
