EU Prosecutors Detain Federica Mogherini in Probe of Alleged Procurement Fraud

Overview

• Belgian police carried out searches at the European External Action Service in Brussels, multiple College of Europe sites in Bruges, and suspects’ residences after investigative immunities were lifted.
• The European Public Prosecutor’s Office says suspected offenses include fraud in public procurement, corruption, conflict of interest, and breach of professional secrecy.
• Investigators are assessing indications that selection criteria were disclosed in advance to a bidder for the EU-funded training program run through the College of Europe.
• A 2022 purchase of a €3.2 million building in Bruges by the College, shortly before it won a €654,000 EEAS contract, is under scrutiny as part of the inquiry.
• Three people, including Mogherini, were detained for questioning as the case remains in the investigative phase with no charges confirmed.