The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirms an investigation against Hilde Vautmans MEP (Open VLD) for suspected misuse of EU funds.
This probe, not a legal one as previously reported by Knack magazine, is being conducted by the Federal Police under the supervision of a European Delegated Prosecutor in Brussels, stated the EPPO.
Former employees of Vautmans testified in Knack in May, accusing her of assigning them tasks unrelated to her duties in the European Parliament, a forbidden practice.
Based on this information, the Prosecutor’s Office instructed the federal police to compile a report, which was received earlier this month, providing enough evidence to launch an inquiry.
The Central Service for Combating Organised Economic and Financial Crime (CDGEFID) of the Federal Police is leading the investigation, which includes interviewing former staff of Vautmans.
Vautmans, re-elected in the June 9 elections, denies the allegations made by her ex-employees, pointing out that none of them have lodged a formal complaint, according to Knack.
Responding to Belga, Vautmans claimed to have “no knowledge” of the investigation "other than what I’ve just learned from the press."
"If it’s confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, it indicates a breach of investigational secrecy. I’ve refuted these allegations in the past," she stated.
"If there is indeed an investigation, I am more than willing to cooperate fully. Therefore, I urge to be heard as soon as possible," Vautmans concluded.
