Belgian police are investigating MEP Hilde Woutmans on suspicions of misuse of EU funds, local media reported, quoted from BTA.
It is noted that Woutmans, who was re-elected on June 9 for a new term, denies the allegations.
It is explained that former associates of the MEP tell how they performed tasks unrelated to Woutmans' work, for which they received remuneration from the funds of the European Parliament. Woutmans says that so far these associates have not filed complaints, and that he is not aware of the progress of the investigation. According to her, the leakage of data is in violation of the requirements for secrecy of the investigation.
It is specified that the inspection was started at the request of the European Prosecutor's Office. The initial data indicate that there are enough clues in the case to initiate a criminal prosecution, the media added.
Woutmans is an MEP from the Belgian party "Open Liberal Democrats and Flemings”, part of the “Renew Europe” group.