EU prosecutors uncover fraud scheme targeting youth‑founded companies in Romania The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced that on Tuesday it carried out 25 domestic searches in Focșani and other locations in Vrancea County as part of an investigation into alleged fraud with EU funds intended to support businesses founded by disadvantaged youth. The probe led to the seizure of 10 properties, including houses and land, worth about 300,000 euros and the blocking of suspects’ bank accounts. Eight individuals were taken to EPPO’s Iași office to be informed of their suspect status. The case involves a scheme that used a network of ten companies registered under the names of 10 disadvantaged youths aged 16‑29 to obtain €250,000 in non‑reimbursable EU funds from the Human Capital Operational Programme. False documents were produced to create a façade of legitimate activity. The investigation has highlighted the use of vulnerable young people as fronts for fraudulent claims.

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