Mogherini faces corruption and fraud charges in European Union project

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini faces charges of fraud, corruption and breach of professional secrecy.

Two other high-ranking officials have been arrested along with her - a diplomat, Stefano Sannino, and an official from the College of Europe in Bruges, according to Reuters.

The trio were detained after raids on EU institutions and their homes, but were later released as there was no risk of flight, according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation is focusing on allegations of fraudulent handling of funds intended for the training of young diplomats.

Mogherini headed EU diplomacy from 2014 to 2019 and has served as chancellor of the prestigious College of Europe since 2020. The allegations have caused a considerable stir in Brussels diplomatic circles.

The European Prosecutor's Office stresses that all detainees are presumed innocent unless found guilty by the courts.

(reuters)