European prosecutors investigate possible €4.3 million misappropriation
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
The European Public Prosecutor's Office ordered searches of the Patriots for Europe group's offices at the European Parliament over the possible misappropriation of more than €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024 by its predecessor, Identity and Democracy. The searches took place in Brussels and Strasbourg, according to the political group and reports carried by Expresso das Ilhas.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday ordered searches of the offices of the Patriots for Europe group at the European Parliament, as part of an investigation into the possible misappropriation of more than €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024. The investigation concerns the former Identity and Democracy group, which preceded Patriots for Europe, reports Expresso das Ilhas.
The searches were carried out in Brussels and Strasbourg. Patriots for Europe said the investigation was linked to a complaint targeting Identity and Democracy, which was dissolved in 2024, and said that the current group was not involved. Two Portuguese MPs from the Chega party sit in the group at the European Parliament.
The operation follows searches carried out on 30 June at the offices of GUD Connexion, a communications company that regularly works on campaigns for the National Rally, and at the home of its founder, Paul-Alexandre Martin. Proceedings against Marine Le Pen and the RN for improper use of parliamentary funds are part of a separate case.
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