Investigation Launched into Former Frontex Chief Fabrice Leggeri for Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

The Paris Court of Appeal has initiated an investigation into Fabrice Leggeri, the former head of the European Union border agency Frontex, over allegations of complicity in crimes against humanity. This decision follows a complaint filed by the French Human Rights League (LDH) and the migrant rights organization Utopia 56, which accused Leggeri of enabling the interception of migrant vessels by Libyan and Greek authorities to prevent asylum seekers from entering the EU. The court's ruling on March 18, 2026, found sufficient grounds to pursue the case, overturning an earlier dismissal by an investigative judge.

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Fabrice Leggeri served as the executive director of Frontex from 2015 until his resignation in 2022, a period marked by significant scrutiny regarding the agency's treatment of migrants. Under his leadership, Frontex faced numerous accusations from human rights organizations for allegedly facilitating pushbacks of asylum seekers, which are actions that violate international law. Following his tenure at Frontex, Leggeri became a member of the European Parliament representing the far-right National Rally party in France.

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The LDH's complaint, initially filed in 2024, claims that Leggeri encouraged Frontex agents to assist in the interception of migrant boats, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has seen approximately 34,000 asylum seekers die or go missing in the Mediterranean since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The investigation will focus on Leggeri's potential criminal liability in relation to these events, particularly concerning the deaths of vulnerable groups such as women and children.

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Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for the LDH, emphasized the significance of the investigation, stating, "For the first time, one or more French investigating judges will examine the conditions of the possible criminal liability of Fabrice Leggeri in the carnage that has resulted in thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean." Meanwhile, representatives for Leggeri indicated that he was unaware of the court's decision and thus had no comment to offer at this time.

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The investigation has drawn attention from various human rights advocates who argue that accountability is crucial for preventing further tragedies in the Mediterranean. Critics of Leggeri's actions during his time at Frontex have long called for a thorough examination of the agency's policies and practices regarding migrant safety.

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Should prosecutors seek to indict Leggeri, they will need to request the waiver of his parliamentary immunity, which requires a vote in the European Parliament. The investigation is expected to be lengthy, as indicated by LDH President Nathalie Tehio, who noted that the initial request for an inquiry was made in 2024.

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• “For the first time, one or more French investigating judges will examine the conditions of the possible criminal liability of Fabrice Leggeri in the carnage that has resulted in thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean, particularly children and women,” — Emmanuel Daoud, LDH Lawyer

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