The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Romania has charged four officials from the Danube River Administration (AFDJ Gala?i) over a fraudulent case that resulted in a ٧ million euro loss to the European Union budget. This case relates to the financing of part of the ٢٠١٤-٢٠٢٠ major infrastructure operational program aimed at purchasing two multi-purpose icebreakers for navigation in rivers.
Details of Violations and Financial Damages
These vessels were designed for navigation in shallow water conditions and to assist sinking ships. However, according to reports, the tender specifications were set in such a way that only a specific company could win. For example, the EPPO has stated that the technical specifications of the tender included requirements for maritime vessels, while icebreakers should have been designed for inland waters.
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In ٢٠٢١, the vessels were delivered with a real depth of ٢.٦ meters (٨.٥ feet), which exceeded the maximum of ٢ meters (٦.٥ feet) stated in the contract. As a result, the EPPO has stated that these vessels can only be safely used under specific conditions, which consequently limits their effectiveness, especially during drought periods.
Legal Consequences and Future of the Accused
These four government officials have been prosecuted for accepting these vessels and signing final acceptance reports that falsely stated that the vessels met the technical requirements. If found guilty, they face imprisonment of between three to ten and a half years.
This case is just one of several instances of fraud in the use of European Union funds reported in recent years, highlighting serious challenges in monitoring the use of financial resources. The EPPO, as an independent body, is striving to combat such frauds and demonstrate that no official or entity can escape legal prosecution.
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