# EPPO investigations into EU fund fraud

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eppo-investigations-into-eu-fund-fraud
> Updated: 2026-10-16T14:18:39.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has issued indictments regarding the fraudulent acquisition of EU funds in Croatia and Romania.

In Croatia, the EPPO filed charges against four individuals and two companies involving a briquette production plant. The investigation alleges that used machinery from a Serbian company was falsely presented as new to secure approximately 420,883.93 euros in non-refundable grants. The EPPO reported that the EU budget was damaged by 285,904.84 euros in payments before irregularities were detected.

In Romania, the EPPO indicted five individuals for allegedly forming a criminal group that defrauded EU-funded programs in Dolj County between 2017 and 2022. The group reportedly targeted seven programs under the Operational Program Human Capital, which were designed for social inclusion and poverty reduction. Prosecutors allege that 22 procurement procedures were compromised, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.8 million euros.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: EPPO indicts five for 1.8 million euro EU fund fraud in Romania

Five people face indictment by the EPPO for allegedly defrauding 1.8 million euros in EU funds intended for poverty reduction and social inclusion programs in Dolj County, Romania.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eppo-indicts-five-for-18-million-euro-eu-fund-fraud-in-romania

### 2026-09-18: EPPO indicts individuals for EU fund fraud in Croatia

The EPPO has indicted four people and two companies in Croatia for fraud involving EU funds used to purchase used machinery from Serbia and falsely claim them as new for a briquette plant.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eppo-indicts-individuals-for-eu-fund-fraud-in-croatia

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Cite as: EPPO investigations into EU fund fraud. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eppo-investigations-into-eu-fund-fraud
