EU Prosecutors Raid Patriots for Europe Offices in Brussels and Strasbourg Over Alleged Misuse of Parliament Funds

EU Prosecutors Raid Patriots for Europe Offices in Brussels and Strasbourg Over Alleged Misuse of Parliament Funds

Offices Searched in Both Parliament Seats

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) carried out searches at administrative offices of the Patriots for Europe (PfE) group inside European Parliament buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg. PfE, the third-largest political group in the European Parliament, said on X that the searches appeared tied to a long-running probe into alleged misuse of funds by the now-disbanded Identity and Democracy (ID) group. The Parliament confirmed to reporters that the searches relate to an investigation into the former ID group.

Prosecutors and Party Clash Over Legal Continuity With ID

PfE stated there is "no legal continuity" with the ID structure and that it is not involved in the investigation. Jean-Paul Garraud, a National Rally MEP who leads that party's delegation in Parliament, wrote on X that the searches targeted "the offices of former ID staff members," not those of elected officials. Two National Rally parliamentary staffers likewise told reporters that only staffers' offices were searched. The group put out a statement insisting it is not a party to the probe.

The Allegations: More Than €4 Million in Disputed Funds

The investigation centers on alleged misappropriation and embezzlement of over €4.3 million by ID between 2019 and 2024, according to an EU official cited by reporters; some outlets put the figure at around €4 million. EPPO formally opened investigations last July after media quoted a parliamentary report saying ID was suspected of improperly spending €4.3 million between 2019 and 2024. Most of that money went to an adviser of Marine Le Pen and to his wife, according to that report. EPPO is also probing whether ID made irregular donations to regional organizations in several EU countries and whether it breached tender rules in contracts awarded to companies close to the group.

Far-Right Group Faces Old Funding Scandal Again

ID was led by Italy's Lega party and dissolved after the 2024 European elections. France's National Rally then created Patriots for Europe, joined by Viktor Orbán's Fidesz and others; the group is now the third-largest bloc in the EU legislature. The Strasbourg search took place on the fourth floor of the Louise-Weiss building, where the PfE secretary general's offices are located, according to Le Monde; France's Central Office for Combating Corruption and Financial and Tax Offences was among the agencies involved. Separately, in 2025 the Parliament's finance department ordered the Patriots to repay €276,967 in EU funds it said the group misused during the second half of 2024, tied to similar irregular tender procedures.

Probe Drags On; Party May Face Hefty Repayment Order

EPPO's investigation is ongoing and no finding of guilt has been announced. PfE maintains it has no legal continuity with ID, but the Parliament's finance department has already demanded repayment of €276,967. The next questions are whether investigators can substantiate the alleged fund flows from the ID period and whether PfE faces further repayment obligations. Political fallout and any internal governance changes within the group will depend on how the probe develops.