Belgian police say it's searched multiple European Commission offices in Brussels on Thursday as part of an investigation into the 2024 sale of European Commission owned buildings to the Belgian state.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which is leading the probe, confirmed it is conducting “evidence-collecting activities” in relation to an ongoing investigation but declined to provide further details in order to protect proceedings.
According to a report by Britains Financial Times, which first reported the inquiry, the searches took place at multiple Commission locations, including the budget department. Citing sources, the FT said the investigation concerns the sale of 23 Commission buildings to Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund, the Federal Holding and Investment Company SFPIM, in a transaction reported to be worth approximately €900 million.
The EU's executive body and SFPIM said they were cooperating fully with the investigation.
A European Commission spokesperson told POLITICO that the property sale followed established procedures and protocols and was conducted in compliance with applicable financial regulations. The spokesperson added that the Commission is committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with EPPO and the competent Belgian authorities.
The transaction took place during the previous Commission mandate, when Johannes Hahn served as commissioner responsible for budget matters.
Belgian police declined to comment. The Belgian prosecutor's office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
No charges have been announced.
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