Belgian police search European Commission buildings for alleged real estate fraud: Report

Case concerns previous Commission's sale of 23 buildings for nearly $1.1B

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgian police carried out searches Thursday at several European Commission buildings in Brussels as part of an investigation into alleged fraud linked to a major real estate deal, according to media reports.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is investigating possible irregularities in the sale of EU Commission buildings, according to information obtained by broadcaster VRT.

The EPPO confirmed it is collecting evidence in an investigation but declined to provide details so as not to jeopardize the proceedings.

The case concerns the sale of 23 buildings by the previous European Commission to Belgium's Federal Participation and Investment Company two years ago.

The transaction was valued at nearly €1 billion ($1.1 billion).

The project envisages the redevelopment of the aging buildings into a mix of offices, retail spaces, public facilities and housing.

The EU Commission previously announced plans to reduce its office space by 25% by 2030, citing increased teleworking since the coronavirus pandemic.

Kaynak: