The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Rome has charged nine individuals and five companies with aggravated fraud related to €4 million in funds intended for the aquaculture sector. The funding was sourced from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The investigation revealed that five cooperative societies allegedly submitted falsified documents and fictitious insurance policies to secure funding for constructing new fish tanks and a fish boat. During the application process, one company was barred from receiving any funds due to its sanction under an anti-mafia preventive measure.
Four companies received an advance payment of €1.4 million after informing the paying agency that work on the fish tanks had commenced. Subsequent inspections revealed that no such work had been carried out.
Timely Intervention Blocks Further Funds
An additional request for €2.6 million was submitted by the same companies. However, the funds were not disbursed, thanks to the timely investigation led by the EPPO. The evidence collected suggests the suspects were involved in aggravated fraud to obtain public funds, as well as embezzlement and money laundering.
Of the five companies implicated, four were subjected to anti-mafia preventive measures. One company faced sanctions during the application process due to a separate investigation, while the other three were sanctioned following the current inquiry.
The investigation received critical support from the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza – Comando Provinciale Foggia) and the local Port Authority.
The EPPO is an independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating crimes that harm the EU’s financial interests.
Furthermore, in November, the EPPO and State Attorney’s office uncovered a VAT fraud worth billions of euros.
