This morning, Belgian police conducted searches at several European Commission buildings in Brussels, according to the UK daily Financial Times. VRT News understands this is part of an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into possible fraud in the sale of buildings.
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Police search European Commission in investigation into fraud involving property deal
Colin Clapson
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Two years ago, the previous European Commission sold 23 buildings to the Belgian government's Federal Participation and Investment Company (FPIM). There are suspicions fraud may have been involved in the transaction.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office will only confirm that it is gathering evidence in an ongoing investigation.
The property deal was worth almost €1 billion. The project involves converting outdated buildings into offices, shops, public facilities and homes.
A Commission spokesperson confirmed to French press agency AFP that an investigation is indeed underway into the 23 buildings, most of which are located in the European quarter. According to the spokesperson, the Commission is convinced that ‘everything was done by the book’. The price was estimated at 900 million at the time, according to AFP. ‘The Commission will cooperate fully with the European Public Prosecutor's Office and the competent Belgian authorities,’ the spokesperson added. ‘We will provide all the necessary information and cooperation for a thorough and independent investigation.’