European lawmaker, aides probed over alleged misuse of funds

ATHENS

An Italian member of the European Parliament along with her four aides are being investigated for the alleged misuse of parliamentary allowances, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said Monday.

The investigation into Stefania Zambelli of Italy’s League Party and her aides, which is being led by the EPPO and carried out by the Italian Financial Police, concerns a suspicion of fraud detrimental to the EU budget regarding the salaries of the aides hired in Italy, the statement noted.

The statement said evidence indicates that the aides did not carry out the activities related to the function for which they were hired or only carried them out partially, falsely documenting their activities to the European Parliament.

Additionally, they misrepresented their qualifications by declaring educational and professional skills they did not have, it added.

It added that the seizure of over €170,000 ($180,376), including bank accounts and luxury cars, was completed.