EU prosecutors search Patriots for Europe offices in funds probe
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office searched offices in Brussels and Strasbourg as part of an investigation into a former European Parliament group.
Key facts
- The European Public Prosecutor’s Office searched administrative offices in Brussels and Strasbourg on 21 October 2026.
- The searches relate to an investigation into the use of EU funds by a former political group.
- Parliament auditors reported the dissolved Identity and Democracy group misused €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024.
- Patriots for Europe denies legal continuity with the Identity and Democracy group.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) searched administrative offices of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group in Brussels and Strasbourg on 21 October 2026. The EPPO stated the searches are part of an investigation into the use of European Union funds by a former political group. The agency said it would not publish further details to avoid compromising the proceedings.
The PfE group stated the searches appear linked to a complaint against the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, which dissolved in 2024. Jean-Paul Garraud, a member of the European Parliament for the National Rally party, said the searches targeted offices of former ID staff members.
European Parliament auditors reported last year that ID members misused at least €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024. According to the report, funds went to companies close to the group and associations supporting anti-abortion campaigners.
The PfE group stated it has no legal continuity with the ID group and is not involved in the investigation. The PfE includes parties such as the National Rally, Lega, and Fidesz, but excludes the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The European Parliament stated it cooperates with relevant authorities and provided no additional comment.
Context
The European Parliament provides funds to political groups for administrative and operative costs. Under Parliament rules, a new group may be liable for a dissolved group's debts if it is considered a successor.
How outlets headlined it
- DWRaids at far-right group's offices at European Parliament
- France 24Prosecutors search European Parliament offices of far-right Patriots bloc in graft probe
- EuronewsEU prosecutors raid far-right group's offices in €4 million funds scandal
- Politico EuropeProsecutor searches far-right group offices in EU Parliament
How this was made
Compiled by our AI newsroom from 4 independent outlets, checked by a separate AI editor against the sources. Only claims found in the sources are reported. Spot an error? Every source is linked below.
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