Over 27 million zlotys extorted from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP). 17 detainees
17 persons have been detained by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau in connection with the investigation concerning the suspicion of swindling over 27 million zlotys from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.
The officers of the Regional Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau in Gdańsk have detained 17 persons throughout the country. Among them are representatives of the largest furniture companies and producers or sellers of woodworking machines. During the coordinated activities, 20 head offices of the companies were searched.
The investigation conducted by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau concerns the suspicion of swindling in the years 2013-2015 of over 27 million zlotys from EU funds coming from the program of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development – "Innovative Economy for 2009-2013".
The program of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development – "Innovative Economy for 2009-2013" was targeted at small and medium enterprises. The evidence collected in the investigation indicates that a company, which was established only for the swindling, received a multi-million undue subsidy.
In addition, as it has been determined in the course of the investigation, after signing the subsidy agreement with PARP, the beneficiary's representatives came into agreement with representatives of machinery and equipment producers who, acting with them jointly and in agreement, overstated the amounts due for the device in order to extort the higher amounts of the subsidy.
All persons detained by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau will be charged in the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Gdańsk. Four of the detainees, including the main initiator of the criminal practice, will hear allegations of participation in an organized criminal group, swindling of EU funds, fraud and criminal and fiscal offences. Two group members will be also charged with money laundering.
The other suspects will be charged with fiscal offences and participation in fraud.
These are the first detentions in this investigation, which is developmental.