EU prosecutors raid far-right groups in four countries over fund embezzlement
On June 30–July 1, 2026, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted coordinated raids in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy investigating alleged misuse of €4.33 million in EU funds by the former far-right Identity and Democracy group (2019–2024). The group, which included France’s National Rally, Italy’s League, and Germany’s AfD, is accused of channeling money to linked companies and anti-abortion associations. National Rally leader Jordan Bardella called the probe a “harassment operation” as his party leads 2025 French presidential polls.
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EU Prosecutors Raid Far-Right Bloc Over Embezzlement of Funds
The European Union's prosecutor's office conducted raids in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy as part of an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of $5 million in EU funds by the former far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which was disbanded in 2024 and replaced by the Patriots for Europe group. Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and head of the Patriots group, confirmed searches at contractors' offices and homes, calling the probe a 'new harassment operation.' The ID group included National Rally, Italy's League, and Germany's AfD. The investigation comes as Bardella's party eyes a potential presidential win in France in 2025, with polls showing a commanding lead in the first round.
TheWeek feedEU prosecutors raid far-right Identity and Democracy group over fund embezzlement
The European Union's prosecutor's office conducted raids in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy as part of an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of approximately $5 million in EU funds by the former far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which was disbanded in 2024 and replaced by the Patriots for Europe group. Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party and head of the Patriots group, confirmed searches at contractors' offices and homes, calling the probe a 'harassment operation.' The investigation targets parties including France's National Rally, Italy's League, and Germany's AfD. The raids come as Bardella's party is seen as a strong contender for the 2025 French presidential election, with polls showing a commanding lead in the first round.
TheWeek feedEU prosecutors raid far-right bloc over alleged fund embezzlement
The European Public Prosecutor's Office conducted raids in France, Belgium, Spain, and Italy as part of an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of approximately $5 million in EU funds by the former Identity and Democracy (ID) group, a far-right bloc disbanded in 2024 and succeeded by the Patriots for Europe group. Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally and the Patriots group, confirmed searches at contractor offices and homes, labeling the probe a 'harassment operation.' The ID group included France's National Rally, Italy's League (Lega), and Germany's AfD. Bardella's party is polling strongly ahead of the 2025 French presidential election, with surveys indicating a commanding first-round lead.
TheWeek feedEU Funds Misappropriated by Far-Right Parties? Investigators Raid Four Countries
The European Public Prosecutor's Office conducted raids in France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium on July 1, 2026, as part of an investigation into the former Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament. The group is accused of illegally spending over 4.3 million euros in EU funds between 2019 and 2024. Auditors found that funds were channeled to companies linked to the group and to anti-abortion associations. The ID group included France's Rassemblement National (RN) and Germany's AfD. RN leader Jordan Bardella confirmed the raids, stating they targeted communications service providers. The investigation is separate from a case involving RN's Marine Le Pen, who was convicted of embezzlement in March 2025 and faces a potential ban from running for president.
Nachrichten - WELTSearches Underway in New European Parliament Embezzlement Case Involving National Rally and Allies
The European Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting coordinated searches in France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium in an investigation into alleged misuse of European funds by the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which included France's National Rally (RN) from 2019 to 2024. The investigation, opened in July 2025 following a report from the European Parliament's Directorate-General for Finance, concerns €4.33 million allegedly 'unduly spent.' The searches took place on June 30, 2026, coordinated by France's Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Financial and Tax Offenses. The European Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed the measures but declined further details to protect the proceedings. Jean-Paul Garraud, head of the RN delegation, stated the group has not yet received any request from the prosecutor's office but would cooperate in good faith if contacted.
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