Legal Assistance in EPPO Cases — Protection in the Field of Financial Crimes in the EU
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is a supranational body established to combat financial crimes affecting the budget of the European Union. Currently, 24 out of the 27 EU member states are part of EPPO, which actively investigates complex cases involving fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
EPPO has extensive powers, including conducting investigations, issuing arrest warrants, and carrying out searches and seizures. This makes it a key instrument for protecting the financial interests of the EU and upholding the rule of law at a cross-border level.
However, involvement in EPPO investigations entails significant risks for both individuals and legal entities. In such situations, professional legal support is crucial to assess potential threats and provide confidential consultations.
Our firm offers comprehensive services, including assistance at all stages of interaction with EPPO, defense against unlawful accusations, and contesting evidence. With extensive experience handling EPPO cases, we are ready to help minimize consequences and protect your rights.
Contact us for a confidential consultation — this does not obligate you to further cooperation but can be the first step toward effective protection of your interests.
Role and Functions of EPPO
EPPO is not merely a bureaucratic body but a powerful institution vested with broad authority:
- Conducting investigations
- Bringing charges
- Participating in judicial proceedings
For example, if a company based in France is suspected of VAT fraud affecting multiple EU countries, EPPO coordinates the investigation, overcoming national barriers.
Member States and Core Tasks of EPPO
Out of the 27 EU member states, 24 countries currently cooperate actively with EPPO. This cooperation enables a centralized and effective fight against financial crimes that previously went unpunished due to differences in national legislation and administrative barriers.
EPPO Member States:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
EU States Not Yet Participating in EPPO:
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Sweden
These countries retain the right to join EPPO in the future but are not currently involved.
EPPO’s Main Tasks:
- Investigating financial crimes related to the EU budget and involving multiple countries.
- Prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in fraud, corruption, money laundering, and other offenses.
- Conducting judicial proceedings to hold perpetrators accountable at both national courts and EU level.
Financial crimes cause losses exceeding €50 billion annually to the EU budget — funds that could otherwise support infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and social programs. This underscores EPPO’s critical role in coordinating and combating these offenses.
Mini-Case: VAT Fraud
A company in Germany uses fictitious transactions to evade VAT payments. EPPO initiates an investigation even if the scheme affects multiple countries. This enables identification and prosecution of the offenders and recovery of funds for the EU budget.
How EPPO Works
EPPO is not a single office but a network spanning across Europe.
- The central office in Luxembourg coordinates actions and develops strategies.
- Delegated prosecutors in participating countries handle specific cases locally.
For instance, a delegated prosecutor in Italy can issue arrest warrants, conduct searches, and seizures under supervision from the central office. This structure accelerates proceedings and reduces bureaucracy.
In its first year, EPPO initiated over 300 investigations, confirming the effectiveness of the structure.
Confidentiality and Information Protection
Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of EPPO’s work. Information about investigations is not made public, safeguarding participants’ rights and ensuring fairness in proceedings.
Mini-Case: Money Laundering in Spain
A money laundering scheme involving several countries was uncovered in Spain. Prosecutors coordinate their actions and exchange information under central office supervision, enabling rapid response and reducing risks of data leaks.
Types of Financial Crimes Investigated by EPPO
EPPO focuses on investigating large-scale financial crimes threatening the EU’s economic stability:
- Cross-border VAT fraud: Fictitious transactions across countries to evade taxes — causing losses exceeding €50 billion annually.
- Corruption and money laundering, especially involving EU budget funds. In 2022, senior officials involved in corrupt schemes with EU funds were exposed.
- Organized crime: Groups engaged in smuggling and money laundering through fictitious companies operating across several EU member states.
Mini-Case: Uncovering an International Criminal Network
EPPO, together with national law enforcement agencies, uncovered an international criminal group laundering money through complex schemes. This prevented further financial losses and reinforced trust in the EU legal system.
Why Legal Support is Crucial in EPPO Investigations
Participation in EPPO investigations carries serious risks:
- Financial losses
- Reputational threats
- Criminal liability for management
Legal support helps to:
- Assess risks
- Conduct confidential consultations
- Minimize adverse consequences
Mini-Case: Defense of an Individual Entrepreneur
An individual entrepreneur in Spain became the subject of an EPPO investigation. Timely legal assistance helped protect his rights, challenge unlawful actions, and terminate the case.
Key Legal Support Services
- Risk assessment and development of defense strategies
- Confidential consultations
- Assistance at all stages of the investigation
- Court representation
- Challenging evidence
Our EPPO Case Services
We provide:
- Confidential assessment of your situation and risks
- Full support throughout the investigation — from interrogations to arrests
- Representation and defense in courts and EU bodies
- Challenging unlawfully obtained evidence
More than 60% of companies without a clear legal strategy suffer significant losses. We help you avoid this fate.
Successful Case Examples
A German company accused of VAT fraud avoided fines exceeding €5 million thanks to our assistance. We conducted an independent audit, challenged erroneous data, and achieved case dismissal.
As one of our leading attorneys notes:
“In such cases, time is not just money; it is your freedom and reputation.”
Future Trends in EU Financial Crime Investigations
- Expansion of EPPO’s powers
- Simplification of information exchange among member states
- Strengthening international cooperation with organizations such as Interpol
These changes will reduce investigation times and increase efficiency.
Immediate Action is Essential
If you face suspicions or accusations from EPPO, do not delay your response. Every minute matters for your protection, reputation, and financial well-being. Early professional legal assistance increases your chances of avoiding serious consequences.
Why Act Without Delay?
- Timely risk assessment helps gauge the scale of threats and develop an effective defense.
- Proper conduct at early investigation stages prevents wrongful accusations and limits information spread.
- Comprehensive support ensures not only legal help but also peace of mind, knowing an experienced team is on your side.
What You Receive by Contacting Us
- Personalized, confidential consultation to thoroughly analyze your case and discuss possible actions.
- Development of a defense strategy tailored to your specific case and recent EU legislative changes.
- Legal assistance at every stage — from initial EPPO notifications to court hearings, safeguarding your rights and interests.
- Support in interacting with national and supranational authorities, significantly enhancing defense effectiveness.
Do Not Risk Your Freedom or Business — Trust Professionals
Cases involving EPPO require high qualifications, knowledge of international law, and experience in cross-border cooperation. Incorrect steps can lead to severe financial losses, fines, and even criminal prosecution.
Contact Us Today
Call or write to schedule an initial consultation — completely free and without any obligation to continue.
We guarantee full confidentiality and a personalized approach to every client.
Start protecting your interests now to minimize risks and preserve your reputation.
Don’t wait until the situation worsens! Your defense begins with the first call. We are ready to be your reliable partner in complex EPPO matters and ensure the security of your business and reputation.
