The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cyprus has opened an investigation into the project for the construction for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Vasilikos, according to a press release by the EPPO in Luxembourg. The investigation focuses on suspicions of procurement fraud, misappropriation of EU funds and corruption.
The investigation began after the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus published a report on 19 January 2024, regarding possible violations during the procurement procedure and the subsequent execution of the public contract for the project. The European Court of Auditors and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) also sent reports to the EPPO.
The EPPO decided to open an investigation after examining the relevant in formation in detail, according to the press release. No further details will be made public at this stage the EPPO stresses.
The project aims to create an entry point for natural gas to Cyprus, enabling the co
untry to connect with the wider European gas market. The total cost of the project was determined at 542 million euro, of which approximately 101 million euro was financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme. The construction, which should have been concluded in December 2019, has not yet been completed.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
