European Public Prosecutor opens investigation into MEP Tom Vandendriessche
The Belgian federal police are investigating the possible misuse of European funds by MEP Tom Vandendriessche, the European public prosecutor's office has confirmed to Apache and Humo.
Media outlets Apache and Humo revealed in early July that the European Anti-Fraud Office had opened an investigation into Vandendriessche. At the time, it was unclear exactly what the ideologue of the Flemish far-right party Vlaams Belang was suspected of.
As in the case of Belgian MEP Hilde Vautmans, Vandendriessche is suspected of misusing European funds. His staff were allegedly instructed to carry out party political work that had nothing to do with the European Union, which is strictly forbidden under the rules of the European Parliament.
The complaint against Vandendriessche has since been referred to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, which investigates allegations of misuse of European funds. Meanwhile, a preliminary investigation against him has produced sufficient material to open a criminal investigation.
An investigating judge has not (yet) been appointed, but the federal police can question witnesses and suspects and carry out searches and seizures as part of the investigation.
© PHOTO SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP