European Prosecutor Opens Criminal Probe into Agrofert EU Subsidies

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) issued a decision on 24 May 2026 to start criminal proceedings concerning the alleged misuse of European Union agricultural subsidies granted to Agrofert, the Czech conglomerate that was formerly controlled by former prime minister Andrej Babiš. The investigation follows a complaint filed by the Czech opposition party Pirates, which accuses an unknown perpetrator of damaging EU financial interests, abusing official authority and breaching duties in managing foreign assets. EPPO prosecutor Daniela Bártíková wrote, “Po řádném ověření informací jsem dne 24. 5. 2026 vydala rozhodnutí o zahájení trestního řízení.”

The case focuses on EU‑funded payments of about CZK 204 million that the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SZIF) disbursed to Agrofert in May, part of a larger package of roughly CZK 7 billion in subsidies. The European Commission says the payments relate to applications submitted before Babiš became prime minister and stresses that it can suspend or recover funds if violations are confirmed. While EPPO has jurisdiction over EU‑related offences, national Czech prosecutors retain authority over domestic subsidies. The parliamentary budget‑control committee has called for full disclosure of the Commission’s protective measures, and the investigation raises renewed conflict‑of‑interest concerns surrounding Babiš’s former control of Agrofert through a trust fund.