EU Anti‑Fraud Prosecutors Carry Out Cross‑Border Raids Over €4.3m Linked to Former ID Group
Targeting communications providers tied to Rassemblement National, the raids may increase legal and political pressure on French far‑right figures ahead of a July court decision.
Overview
- On Tuesday investigators from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office executed coordinated searches in France, Spain, Italy and Belgium as part of an active probe into suspected misuse of EU funds.
- The inquiry concerns about €4.3 million allegedly spent improperly by the Identità e Democrazia group during the 2019–2024 European Parliament term and was opened by EPPO in July 2025 after a referral from the Parliament’s financial office.
- Searches focused on offices and private residences of external consultants and communications firms, with investigators following leads tied to Paul‑Alexandre Martin and the agency e‑Politic.
- EPPO confirmed restrictive measures but has sealed warrant details to protect the investigation, and no criminal charges have been publicly announced so far.
- The raids could amplify domestic political fallout in France because they coincide with a July 7 Paris appeal decision affecting Marine Le Pen and may shape scrutiny of parties formerly in the ID group ahead of 2027 elections.