EU Investigates €1.5M COVID Procurement Fraud Case in Romania
Details of the Fraud Investigation
By Alexander Chituc
Overview of the Case
BRUSSELS, April 27 (Reuters) - EU prosecutors said on Monday they were investigating 1.5 million euros ($1.76 million) of suspected fraud related to the public procurement of medical equipment in Romania during the COVID pandemic in 2021.
Allegations Against the Company and Officials
Representatives of the unidentified company that won the contract are suspected of offering bribes to public officials at the Braşov County Emergency Hospital to tailor tender specifications in their favour, the European Public Prosecutor's Office statement said.
Bribery and Contract Manipulation
It added that civil servants involved were also alleged to have requested and received bribes that amount to nearly 5% of the total contract value.
Role of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)
The EPPO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the financial interests of the EU. A spokesperson said the case involved possible procurement fraud with EU funds.
Investigation Actions and Locations
As part of the investigation, searches have been conducted in Bucharest, Brasov and Mures, the EPPO said, without specifying the locations.
Company and Official Responses
Reuters could not immediately determine which company was suspected of having been involved. The health ministry and the Braşov county public health agency did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Wider Context: COVID Recovery Fraud Cases
The EPPO is currently investigating more than 500 cases of suspected fraud linked to the EU's COVID Recovery and Resilience Facility that it estimates amount to 5 billion euros, according to its 2025 annual report.
($1 = 0.8524 euros)
(Reporting by Alexander Chituc in Brussels; Additional reporting by Luiza Ilie in Bucharest; Editing by Alison Williams)
