EU prosecutors have charged nine individuals and five companies with fraud over attempts to obtain €4 million ($4.1m) in EU aquaculture funding.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Rome alleges the accused submitted falsified documentation and fake insurance policies to secure funding for fish tanks and a fishing vessel through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
Four cooperative societies received €1.4m in advance payments after claiming construction had begun on new fish tanks, investigators said. Subsequent inspections revealed no work had been undertaken, according to the EPPO.
Prosecutors blocked an additional €2.6m payment request during their investigation, which was supported by Italy's Guardia di Finanza and local port authorities.
Four of the five companies involved faced anti-mafia preventive measures, with one being barred during the initial application process and three others following the launch of the investigation, the EPPO said.
The suspects face charges of aggravated fraud for obtaining public funds, embezzlement, and money laundering.
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