In Malta, they deceive with the young farmers program

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Valletta, Malta, has brought charges against an individual suspected of defrauding European funds intended to support young farmers starting a business. The institution reports that the suspect has been formally brought before the Court of Magistrates of Malta, acting as an investigating court, thereby initiating legal proceedings under the Maltese judicial system. The accused had applied for a program to assist starting farmers, co-financed by the EU through the Rural Development Program 2014. The funds were intended for taking over a family farm and establishing a dairy and livestock farm. Under the contract, the project was supposed to be completed within 23 months, with the accused receiving an advance payment of 56,000 euros (80% of the total subsidy). According to the evidence gathered, the project was never implemented – no agricultural equipment was purchased, and the land was transferred to another individual without the ...