Full Breakdown
EU Prosecutor Launches Multi-Nation Raids Over Alleged Misuse of Funds by Defunct Far-Right Identity and Democracy Group
7/1/2026, 8:34:06 AM
Raids Target Former ID Group’s Offices and Service Providers
On 30 June 2026 EPPO launched searches in four states, including France. The raids targeted offices and homes of communications service providers linked to the former Identity and Democracy (ID) group. EPPO said the actions are part of an ongoing investigation into the group’s use of EU funds from 2019 to 2024.
Background: Identity and Democracy Group and Its Successor
The ID group served in the European Parliament from 2019 until its formal disbandment after the 2024 elections. Its members included France’s National Rally (RN), Italy’s League (Lega) and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). After disbandment, members formed the “Patriots for Europe” grouping. EPPO opened a formal probe in July 2025 after a parliamentary report flagged possible misuse of EU money.
Key Actors
EPPO, the EU-wide prosecutor, leads the probe. Jordan Bardella, RN president and Patriots for Europe head, announced the raids on X. Other implicated parties are Italy’s League and Germany’s AfD; no statements from them appear in the sources.
Financial Scope
The parliamentary report cited by EPPO suggests the ID group may have improperly spent €4.3 million of EU funds between 2019 and 2024. The specific mechanisms of the alleged misuse have not been disclosed.
Official Responses
EPPO said the raids are part of an investigation into the use of EU funds by a former political group of the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024 and that it is carrying out investigative measures in France and other European countries. RN described the operation as a new harassment operation by the European Parliament.
RN’s Critique
Bardella called the raids a targeted campaign against the far-right bloc, arguing EPPO’s actions amount to harassment, not legitimate law-enforcement. The RN links the probe to political pressure ahead of the 2027 French presidential election, where it leads in early polls.
Unresolved Issues
The sources do not specify how many premises were searched, the identities of the communications service providers, or the evidence supporting the €4.3 million claim. No statements from the League, AfD or Patriots for Europe beyond Bardella’s comments are available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “searches have been underway at the offices and private homes of communications service providers who have worked with us” — Jordan Bardella
- “new harassment operation by the European Parliament” — Jordan Bardella
- “part of an ongoing investigation into the use of EU funds by a former political group of the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024.” — EPPO
- “ The ID group was formally disbanded after elections in 2024 and was succeeded by a new grouping Patriots for Europe.” — report
Future Developments
EPPO indicated the investigation is ongoing, with seizures possible after forensic audits. RN’s campaign will intensify, and a Paris court will rule next week on Marine Le Pen’s five-year ban, a decision that could affect party leadership.
