Summary
The European Union’s anti-fraud prosecutors have launched a major investigation in Croatia after uncovering suspected corruption and fraud linked to agricultural subsidies funded by the EU.
The probe, led by the (EPPO), resulted in the arrest of 21 Croatian citizens. Among those arrested are a current public official and a former public official connected to Croatia’s agricultural funding system.
Authorities believe the suspects were involved in a scheme to illegally obtain money from European agricultural support programs. Investigators say fake records and forged documents were used to help certain farmers receive subsidies they were not entitled to receive.
Officials stated that the investigation became larger after financial records and application documents raised concerns about possible manipulation of subsidy claims connected to agricultural land and farming activities.
How the Alleged Agricultural Subsidy Fraud Worked
According to investigators, the suspected fraud operation began around 2020. Authorities claim several people worked together to manipulate agricultural subsidy applications funded by the European Union.
The investigation focuses on subsidies from two important EU agricultural programs:
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)
- European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF)
Officials say the suspects allegedly increased the size of agricultural land areas listed in official records. Fake paperwork was also reportedly created to make it appear that farming activities were taking place.
Investigators claim the group submitted false manure sale invoices and fake soil laboratory reports to support subsidy applications. These documents were allegedly attached to requests for EU agricultural funding.
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According to the investigation, the suspects attempted to unlawfully obtain around €670,000 in EU funds. Authorities say approximately €357,000 had already been paid before the suspected fraud was discovered.
Investigators also believe members of the alleged group received illegal payments totaling at least €36,000 for helping arrange the subsidies.
Officials believe the suspected fraud affected agricultural support systems designed to help genuine farmers and rural communities. European agricultural funding programs are intended to strengthen farming production and rural economies across member countries.
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Massive Police Operation Across Croatia
The arrests followed a large law enforcement operation carried out on 6 May 2026. Around 150 police officers participated in the operation, which included 30 searches across different areas of Croatia.
Croatian police worked alongside financial investigators and tax authorities during the raids. Officials say the searches were conducted to collect evidence linked to the suspected misuse of EU agricultural money.
Authorities stated that the case includes allegations of:
- Abuse of office and authority
- Receiving and offering bribes
- Subsidy fraud
- Forgery of documents
The investigation also involves officials connected to Croatia’s agricultural payment agency. Investigators suspect some individuals may have helped applicants prepare and submit funding requests under irregular conditions.
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Croatia’s EU Agricultural Funding Under Scrutiny
Croatia, a member of the European Union since 2013, receives financial assistance from several EU programs aimed at supporting farmers and rural communities. These agricultural funds are intended to improve farming systems, strengthen rural development, modernize agricultural infrastructure, and support food production across the country.
European agricultural funding programs also help farmers purchase equipment, improve land management, support environmental protection measures, and increase productivity in rural areas. Because these programs involve large amounts of public money, EU authorities closely monitor how the funds are distributed and used by member states.
The confirmed that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty before competent Croatian courts. Officials stated that the investigation remains active and is continuing on a large scale.
Authorities are currently reviewing financial transactions, subsidy applications, land registration documents, electronic communications, banking records, laboratory reports, invoices, and other evidence connected to the suspected fraud scheme. Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals or businesses may have been involved in helping prepare or submit questionable applications for European agricultural funds.