Belgian Authorities Detain Mogherini and Sannino in Expanding Anti-Fraud Investigation

Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s former foreign policy chief, has been detained by Belgian police in connection with an anti-fraud probe that has rattled Brussels. Mogherini, who led the EU’s diplomatic service as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019, was taken in for questioning on Tuesday morning during a series of coordinated raids targeting suspected irregularities in an EU-funded project. Since 2020, she has served as rector of the College of Europe, a prominent institution that benefits from EU financial support.

Stefano Sannino, a senior EU official and former secretary general of the European External Action Service (EEAS) — a position he held from 2021 to 2024 — was also detained. Earlier this year, in February, Sannino assumed the role of director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), a newly created department tasked with strengthening the bloc’s regional engagement. Euronews confirmed the identities of both Mogherini and Sannino after initial reports in Belgian media. A third detainee is reportedly a manager at the College of Europe, according to Le Soir.

The Belgian authorities conducted searches at the EEAS headquarters, the College of Europe campus in Bruges, and multiple private residences. In response to the unfolding investigation, the College of Europe said: "The College of Europe will fully cooperate with the authorities in the interest of transparency and respect for the investigative process." The institution added: "The College remains committed to the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and compliance — both in academic and administrative matters. The College takes all necessary measures to ensure the continuity of its activities."

According to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which ordered Tuesday’s raids, the inquiry focuses on suspected fraud linked to the European Union Diplomatic Academy, a nine-month training programme for young diplomats. The project was awarded to the College of Europe between 2021 and 2022 following a public tender. Investigators are examining whether the EEAS violated procurement rules by providing the College with information before the contract was formally granted.

In a statement, the EPPO said there were "strong suspicions" that the principles of fair competition were breached and that "confidential information related to the ongoing procurement was shared with one of the candidates participating in the tender." The office noted that the circumstances "could constitute procurement fraud, corruption, conflict of interest and violation of professional secrecy," emphasizing that the investigation continues as prosecutors work to "clarify the facts and assess whether any criminal offences have occurred."

A spokesperson for the EEAS acknowledged the police raids, describing the matter as related to activities from "the previous mandate" under Mogherini’s leadership and later Josep Borrell’s. The spokesperson declined to specify whether any of those detained remained active EU officials. The EPPO said the police actions followed "the lifting of the immunity," implying that senior officials were involved. The EEAS is currently headed by High Representative Kaja Kallas, who took office in December 2025. Belgian police have so far refrained from commenting on the operation.

By fLEXI tEAM