15 July 2026 , 10:38
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The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bologna (Italy) has indicted six individuals before the competent Italian court for suspected fraud involving EU funding under the LIFE programme, intended to support sustainable mobility initiatives in the Tuscan municipalities of Isola del Giglio, Monte Argentario and Orbetello.
The investigation concerns a project financed through the EU’s LIFE programme, a funding instrument supporting environmental, climate and energy transition initiatives. The project aimed to promote integrated sustainable mobility through the use of electric vehicles, including bicycles, scooters, cars and boats. It also envisaged electric boats for navigation in the Orbetello lagoon.
According to the investigation, the project coordinator and other beneficiaries allegedly misused a substantial part of the EU funding awarded for the project. The evidence gathered indicates that vehicles and equipment acquired or developed with EU funds were ultimately left unused and in a state of abandonment. Investigators also established that approximately 70% of the project budget was allocated to personnel costs, including expenses allegedly unrelated to the implementation of the project.
The investigation further revealed that, instead of carrying out genuine project activities, some of the suspects allegedly awarded contracts to companies linked to them. These companies then invoiced consultancy services connected to the project, artificially inflating project costs and enabling the unlawful acquisition of EU funds.
The project received total funding of €2 841 430. Thanks to the investigation, the payment of the final instalment of €852 549 was prevented.
Among those indicted are the scientific coordinator of the project, an administrative employee involved in its management, three company directors and one employee of beneficiary companies.
The investigation was carried out by the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) of Orbetello under the direction of the EPPO in Bologna and included multiple searches across several Italian regions and the analysis of seized documentation.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
Deputy Editor