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, Brasov and Sibiu County, including at the headquarters of six companies, as well as the houses of persons of interest in this investigation, according to Act Media.
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.
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