EU Prosecutors Search Patriots for Europe Offices in Funds Probe

The investigation concerns alleged misuse of more than €4 million by Identity and Democracy, according to the supplied reporting. The searches brought the European-level inquiry to offices used by a current European Parliament group, but the available evidence does not establish wrongdoing by Patriots for Europe.

Identity and Democracy was a dissolved European Parliament group that included several European far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. The investigation is described in the supplied reports as concerning that predecessor group rather than as an established finding against Patriots for Europe.

Patriots for Europe said the allegations relate to Identity and Democracy and that there is no legal continuity between the two groups, Deutsche Welle reported. That position is the group’s stated response; the supplied evidence does not independently establish the legal relationship or continuity between them.

The available material does not identify specific suspects, charges or items seized. Euronews reported that Patriots for Europe could be forced to repay Identity and Democracy’s debts, but the evidence does not establish that repayment is legally required or that it will occur.