EPPO has brought three people to trial accused of defrauding 237 projects for small farms and young farmers

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest has indicted three people accused of fraud involving European funds intended for small farms and young farmers. According to the EPPO, the defendants allegedly participated in submitting false or inaccurate documents for 237 projects financed through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The main defendant, a consultant arrested in May 2026, allegedly submitted the applications on behalf of companies and family businesses to the Agency for the Financing of Rural Investments (AFIR). Two other people are under judicial supervision.

The total value of the funding requested through the projects considered fraudulent is estimated at €5.7 million. Of these, 170 projects received funding, causing approximately €3.5 million in losses to the European Union budget.

If found guilty, the three defendants face up to 10 years in prison. Another 30 people have admitted to their offenses and requested plea agreements. Investigators say that dozens of people allegedly agreed to have the applications submitted in their names in exchange for commissions of 10–15% of the project value.

The investigation was conducted by the EPPO together with the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), the Dâmbovița County Police Inspectorate and police officers from Bucharest. All persons concerned are presumed innocent.