Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) detained five individuals suspected of defrauding the National Centre for Research and Development of millions in EU project funds.
EU Funds Fraud Scheme Uncovered
The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) has arrested five people suspected of fraud against the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR). Investigators allege the suspects fraudulently obtained funds intended for EU projects and improperly accounted for grant money.
The arrests, made on March 18th in the Wielkopolska province, were carried out by the CBA’s Szczecin delegation. Authorities also seized documentation and data storage devices as part of the ongoing investigation into NCBR and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP).
Details of the Fraud
Investigators claim the entrepreneurs inflated the value of services, particularly consulting, provided by collaborating entities in their funding applications. The NCBR is estimated to have suffered damages of 3.2 million złoty as a result of the alleged scheme.
Charges and Restrictions Imposed
The suspects have been charged with significant fraud, issuing false invoices, inaccurate accounting, submitting false declarations regarding grant expenditure, and money laundering. A prosecutor has imposed property bonds totaling 360,000 złoty, travel bans, and restrictions on contact with other suspects, along with police supervision.
Expanding Investigation and Potential Penalties
To date, 40 individuals have been charged with a total of 216 counts in connection with the investigation. Over 22 million złoty in assets have been secured. The investigation remains ongoing. Conviction for significant fraud and money laundering carries a potential prison sentence of one to ten years under the Polish Criminal Code.