Belgian authorities detain 3 individuals following raids on college and EU diplomatic headquarters

BRUSSELS Belgian law enforcement detained three individuals on Tuesday following coordinated raids at the European Union's diplomatic offices in Brussels and at a higher education institution in Bruges, according to a statement from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).

Police conducted searches at the residences of the suspects, multiple facilities of the College of Europe in Bruges, and the main offices of the European External Action Service, located in the heart of the EU's 27-member bloc institutions in Brussels.

The EPPO, an autonomous EU agency, indicated that authorities hold serious concerns regarding potential fraud linked to the awarding of a contract for the 20212022 training program at the EU Diplomatic Academy for junior diplomats. The office noted the suspected offenses may include procurement fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and breaches of professional secrecy. Investigations are ongoing to verify the facts and determine if any criminal acts occurred.

The EPPO also stated it had requested the removal of legal immunity for several individuals involved.

During a press briefing, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed the raid on the European External Action Service headquarters but refrained from providing specifics about the suspects or details of the probe. Federal police and prosecutors declined to offer further comments.

Author: Sophia Brooks