Belgian police raided European Commission offices in Brussels as part of an investigation into potential irregularities in real estate transactions by the EU, according to an investigative report by the Financial Times. According to sources familiar with the matter, the searches were conducted Thursday morning across various Commission departments, including the budget department. The case allegedly involves the sale of European Union properties that took place during the tenure of the previous Commission, when Johannes Hahn served as budget commissioner.
Belgian police raid Commission over property sale case: What is being investigated
The investigation is being conducted by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and relates to 23 buildings acquired in 2024 by the Belgian state investment fund SFPIM for approximately 900 million euros. At the time, the European Commission had argued that the sale was conducted through a competitive tender process and in accordance with European regulatory framework. In a statement, European Public Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Tin Holewot confirmed that evidence collection activities are ongoing, without providing further details to avoid compromising the investigation.
OLAF, the EU’s anti-fraud agency, as well as the Belgian federal police, declined to comment. Similarly, there has been no official statement from the European Commission, the SFPIM investment fund, or Johannes Hahn to date.
