Corruption investigation into former European Investment Bank President Werner Hoyer
An investigation has been opened into Werner Hoyer, the former President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), which operates as the European Union's (EU) bank, on grounds of corruption, influence peddling, and misuse of Union funds.
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The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) announced that requests to lift the immunity of 2 former EIB employees and to grant access to the institution's buildings and archives in Luxembourg have been accepted.
The statement indicated that the request to lift immunity was made within the scope of an investigation into suspected corruption, influence peddling, and the misuse of EU funds.
Stating that the suspicions were reported to the EPPO by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the statement noted that it was decided to lift the immunity of the 2 former EIB employees in accordance with legal obligations.
The statement recorded that with the lifting of their immunity, the EPPO investigation can continue effectively, all evidence can be collected, and the matter can be fully clarified.
'CLAIMS ARE BASELESS'
While the EU prosecutor's office did not share the names of the individuals under investigation, former EIB President Werner Hoyer stated, "The allegations against me are completely absurd and baseless."
Hoyer stated that he is fully cooperating with the EU prosecutor's office and that he expects the matter to be investigated and all facts to be clarified.
On the other hand, it is alleged that the investigation centers on the severance pay received by an EIB employee upon leaving the job.
German national Werner Hoyer served as EIB President from 2012 to 2023.
Headquartered in Luxembourg, the EIB provides long-term, affordable loans to the public and private sectors in line with the goals set by the EU as its financing institution.
The EIB grants approximately 80 billion euros in loans annually.