Three arrested in fraud raids, including former EU chief diplomat

Authorities have arrested a former European Union chief diplomat and a senior EU official in connection with an anti-fraud investigation, officials confirmed. Law enforcement conducted raids at the European External Action Service (EEAS) headquarters in Brussels and at the College of Europe in Bruges, a training institution for future European officials.

Federica Mogherini, who held the position of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2019 and currently leads the College of Europe, was taken into custody. Stefano Sannino, previously an Italian diplomat and now the EEAS Director General for the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf Affairs, is also reportedly detained. The identity of a third individual has not been disclosed.

No charges have been filed yet, and a judge has 48 hours to determine the next legal steps. Belgian authorities conducted searches of the suspects residences as part of an investigation into alleged fraud involving EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats, the European Public Prosecutors Office (EPPO) reported.

An EU spokesperson confirmed the raids and stated that investigators are examining actions that occurred during previous mandates. The probe focuses on the EU Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month program designed for junior diplomats from member states. Between 2021 and 2022, the EEAS awarded the program to the College of Europe, which has notable alumni including Nick Clegg and Stephen Kinnock.

The investigation is evaluating whether the tender process was manipulated to favor the College of Europe. The EPPO expressed strong suspicions that confidential procurement information may have been shared with one of the candidates. If verified, these actions could amount to procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy.

The EPPO confirmed that it requested and received the lifting of diplomatic immunity for several suspects prior to the raids. The EUs independent prosecution office is tasked with protecting the blocs financial interests, and the probe is supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office.

Kaja Kallas, who became the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs a year ago, succeeded Josep Borrell. Sources indicate that the investigation began before Kallas assumed the role. Mogherini, a former Vice-President of the European Commission and a key negotiator in the Iran nuclear deal, served as Borrells predecessor.

An EPPO spokesperson stated, The investigation is ongoing to establish the facts and determine if any criminal offenses have occurred.

Author: Sophia Brooks