Media reports say former European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has been detained by Belgian police as part of a sweeping anti-fraud investigation.
According to Euronews, Mogherini, who served as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019, was one of three individuals taken in for questioning on December 2, following coordinated police raids.
Among those also detained was Stefano Sannino, a high-ranking EU official who served as Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) between 2021 and 2024. Since February 2025, he has headed the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf (DG MENA), created to enhance relations with the EU’s southern neighborhood.
The third suspect is reported to be a manager at the College of Europe, a prominent university located in Bruges, Belgium, where Mogherini has served as rector since 2020.
Raids and allegations
The police action was carried out at the request of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which is investigating suspected fraud related to an EU-funded project — the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training program for young diplomats.
Authorities conducted searches at the College of Europe, the EEAS headquarters, and several private residences. The investigation centers on allegations that EEAS officials may have violated EU tendering rules by sharing confidential information with the College of Europe before the project was formally awarded between 2021 and 2022.
The EPPO stated there are "strong suspicions" that EU procurement rules were breached, potentially involving fraud, corruption, conflicts of interest, and violation of professional secrecy.
“The investigation is ongoing to clarify the facts and assess whether any criminal offences have occurred,” the EPPO said in a statement.
Reaction and institutional response
A spokesperson for the EEAS confirmed that law enforcement carried out searches at its premises, adding that the case pertains to activities from "a previous mandate." The EEAS is now headed by High Representative Kaja Kallas, who took over the role in December 2025 following Josep Borrell, Mogherini’s successor.
The spokesperson declined to confirm whether any of the individuals detained are current EU officials. The EPPO noted that the operation was conducted following the lifting of immunity, suggesting the suspects held high-level positions.
Belgian police have so far declined to comment on the detentions.
This investigation marks one of the most high-profile anti-fraud cases involving former EU leadership in recent years and could have far-reaching implications for EU institutions and their transparency protocols.
