EU Prosecutors Search Spanish Railway Offices in Investigation into Suspected Fraud

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has conducted searches at the headquarters of three Spanish railway-related institutions as part of an investigation into suspected fraud involving European Union funding. The searches targeted railway infrastructure manager Adif, the railway safety agency AESF and Spain’s Court of Auditors. Investigators are examining the possible misuse of EU funds allocated to the renovation and upgrading of safety, signalling and communication systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line. Adif confirmed that investigators visited its headquarters and said it had provided all the requested information.

The investigation comes amid a series of deadly railway accidents in Spain this year. A high-speed train accident in January claimed 46 lives, while another collision in October resulted in 69 deaths. Both incidents have raised concerns surrounding railway safety and infrastructure. The EPPO had already opened a separate investigation in March following the January accident. However, the latest probe specifically focuses on potential fraud involving EU-funded railway improvement projects.

The European prosecutors have not disclosed further details about the suspected financial irregularities. While Adif confirmed its cooperation with investigators, AESF and Spain’s Court of Auditors had not immediately responded to requests for comment. The investigation will examine how the European funds were allocated and used for upgrading the railway line’s critical safety and communication infrastructure.

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