The EU's former foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has been accused of fraud as part of an EU investigation into the misuse of funds, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has said.
The EPPO said searches were carried out on Tuesday at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, headed by Ms. Mogherini, as well as at the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Brussels - the office she ran for five years as the bloc's top diplomat.
The investigation relates to EU-funded training for junior diplomats, the EPPO said.
Alongside Ms. Mogherini, a senior College of Europe staff member and a senior official from the European Commission were also detained, the prosecutor's office added.
According to the EPPO, the three were formally advised of the allegations against them, which include procurement fraud and corruption, conflicts of interest, and violations of professional secrecy.
They were subsequently released as they were not considered a flight risk, and their homes were searched.
Under Belgian law, individuals can be arrested and released without being charged, while still remaining suspects.
The EPPO indicated that the investigation is centered on a tender awarded by the EEAS to the College of Europe during 2021-2022.
There are reported to be strong suspicions of favouritism related to the tender for a nine-month training course for junior diplomats.
The EPPO, which investigates alleged crimes against the financial interests of the EU, has not disclosed the names of the individuals detained but confirmed that the immunity of several suspects has been lifted as part of the investigation.
The College of Europe is an independent academic institution attended by candidates for EU civil service positions and is closely tied to EU funding.
