PRAGUE, April 8 (Reuters) - Czech authorities detained seven people, including two high-ranking Industry Ministry officials, over suspected European Union subsidies fraud, the EU prosecutor's office
Czech Officials Detained Over Alleged EU Subsidy Fraud Involving €13.5 Million
Details of the Alleged Subsidy Fraud Case
Detainment of Officials and Suspects
PRAGUE, April 8 (Reuters) - Czech authorities detained seven people, including two high-ranking Industry Ministry officials, over suspected European Union subsidies fraud, the EU prosecutor's office said on Wednesday.
Nature and Scale of the Alleged Fraud
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) did not name the suspects but said they attempted to illegally obtain funds amounting to 13.5 million euros ($15.79 million), or 340 million crowns.
Purpose of the Subsidies
"At issue are EU subsidies...allegedly obtained illicitly for developing an innovation centre for housing start-ups and scientific firms or projects," EPPO said.
Additional Officials Involved
A top-level official at the country's Building Authority was also among those detained.
Reactions and Investigation Process
Official Responses
The Czech industry and development ministries had no immediate comment.
Investigation Findings
According to EPPO's investigation, a businessman with connections to officials submitted false information to the ministry managing the funds.
Police Actions and Seizures
Czech police carried out 13 searches in cooperation with the EPPO, seizing a building and 2 million euros in bank accounts, the statement said.
($1 = 0.8552 euros)
(Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet; Editing by Janane Venkatraman)
