(Luxembourg, 24 June 2025) – On behalf of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Slovenian police’s National Bureau of Investigation (Nacionalni preiskovalni urad – NPU) carried out house searches last week (19 June) in the premises of a municipality in the Štajerska region, as part of an investigation into suspected fraud involving EU funds.
The investigation concerns a project carried out by the municipality to renovate and expand their existing industrial zone, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). According to the investigation, the municipality falsely declared costs related to the construction of an entrance portal to the industrial zone.
As a result, EU and national funds amounting to €666 793 were unduly disbursed. These funds were later recovered.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent courts of law in Slovenia.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.