EPPO conducts searches in probe into Sibiu International airport modernisation project

In an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), multiple searches are being carried out today at the Sibiu International Airport and the Sibiu County Council, in a probe into suspected fraud related to a €54 million EU-funded project for the modernisation of the airport, https://www.eppo.europa.eu/ reports.    A total 24 searches are being executed in Bucharest, Bra?ov and Sibiu County, including at the headquarters of six companies, as well as the houses of persons of interest in this investigation.  The searches are connected to a project for the modernisation and development of airport infrastructure, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020, with the EU contribution amounting to €54.5 million (RON 272.493.421,67) – representing 85% of the total cost.   On the radar of the EPPO are potential irregularities in the tender procedure and a possible conflict of interest. Based on the preliminary findings, during the drafting of the feasibility study, highly specific conditions were established, potentially limiting the ability of other economic operators to submit bids.   This culminated in the awarding of the contract to the sole bidder, who is also suspected of having made inaccurate statements about its ability to meet the stipulated requirements.   The investigation is ongoing to clarify the facts and assess whether any criminal offences have occurred.   The ongoing searches are mobilising dozens of police officers from the EPPO Support Structure in Romania – Cluj-Napoca Office, Economic Crimes Investigation Directorate within the Romanian General Police Inspectorate, Economic Crime Investigation Services within Alba and Bra?ov County Police Inspectorate, County Police Inspectorate and the Romanian Gendarmerie.   All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Romanian courts of law.   The 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. (Photo:https://www.ftm.eu/)