Palermo veterinary fund fraud case sees €175,000 seized

Italian financial police seized more than €175,000 from three individuals accused of aggravated fraud and illegal receipt of public money earmarked for veterinary public‑health projects. The seizure followed an order by the Palermo Court’s G.I.P., issued after a request from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). Investigators determined that the suspects, who held senior positions in the entity receiving the funds, misused the money between 2022 and 2025 to increase personal compensation and award contracts that should have been handled internally. The operation highlights close cooperation between the EPPO and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza in protecting EU economic interests.

The funds had originated from the Sicilian regional authority and an international organization dedicated to safeguarding animal health, and were intended for various projects in the sector.