The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has officially opened a probe into Identity and Democracy (ID). A now-defunct far-right political group in the European Parliament. The investigation follows a confidential internal audit obtained by Le Monde, Die Zeit, and Kontraste, revealing irregularities in over €4 million of spending by ID-affiliated parties. The allegations include inflated and fictitious contracts, violations of procurement procedures, donations to non-parliamentary organizations, including a French cat sterilization nonprofit linked to ID politicians.
Philip Claeys, the group’s former secretary-general, denies wrongdoing, claiming all payments were “duly invoiced and justified.”
Earlier this year, RN leader Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling EU funds, rendering her ineligible to run for French president. She is currently appealing the decision.