Former EU Diplomat Federica Mogherini Arrested Amid Fraud Investigation

In a shocking turn of events, Belgian police have taken into custody three individuals, including the former top diplomat of the European Union, Federica Mogherini. This arrest follows a raid at the headquarters of the EU foreign service and the prestigious College of Europe, as part of a broader investigation into suspected fraud involving EU-funded training programs for junior diplomats. According to a statement from the European public prosecutor's office, the detained individuals were apprehended during an inquiry focused on possible procurement fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. Initial reports from the Belgian newspaper De Standaard revealed that Mogherini, currently serving as the rector of the College of Europe, was one of the three detained. A confirmed source for the Guardian has also identified Stefano Sannino, the former secretary general of the EU’s external action service, as another individual arrested. The investigation seems to hinge on concerns that the College of Europe and its affiliates may have been privy to sensitive information prior to a tender launched for a training program intended for emerging diplomats, possibly breaching regulations of fair competition by sharing confidential insights with a specific candidate. The College of Europe, founded in 1949 and located in Bruges, has long been a revered institution for EU officials and diplomatic training. However, its reputation has been called into question following Mogherini's controversial appointment as rector in 2020, which some alumni criticized due to her perceived lack of academic and administrative credentials. Belgian media reported that searches were conducted not only at the College of Europe but also at multiple locations associated with the EU foreign service in Brussels. The spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed an ongoing investigation but refrained from providing any further details regarding the individuals involved. The College of Europe has pledged full cooperation with authorities, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining integrity and compliance within its operations. The ongoing investigation marks a significant initiative by the European public prosecutor’s office (EPPO), established specifically to combat cross-border fraud related to EU funds. This agency has the jurisdiction to pursue criminal cases across any of the 24 EU member states that are part of its framework, including Belgium. The EPPO has indicated that it has strong suspicions regarding breaches in the competitive bidding process for the training program, which was awarded to the College of Europe to run the European Union Diplomatic Academy in 2021-22. As a result of the investigation, the immunity of the three suspects was lifted upon a request from the EPPO. While the agency has issued a statement prioritizing the confidentiality of the investigation, it reassured that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law. This unprecedented probe is instigating conversations among EU diplomats and officials, many expressing support for the EPPO's commitment to tackling corruption, regardless of the individuals involved. An EU diplomat remarked positively on the EPPO's resolve, voicing that if the allegations hold true, substantial consequences should follow to reaffirm the EU's zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The situation continues to unfold as authorities work diligently to assess the legitimacy of these serious allegations. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2