The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Riga, Latvia has filed a court case against a farmer suspected of fraudulently obtaining EU subsidy funding to buy robotic milking equipment.

It's alleged that the farmer fraudulently received €1222,725 for the purchase and installation of robotic milking equipment under an agricultural investment project financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

According to the investigation, the farmer applied for reimbursement from the Latvian Rural Support Service in 2024, claiming public funding for robotic milking equipment allegedly purchased and installed under the project.

However, the investigation established that the equipment had not been properly installed, was not operational and had never been used for the intended farming activities.

To support the payment claim, the farmer allegedly submitted a fabricated video intended to create the false impression that the equipment was fully installed and operational.

Robotic milking equipment fraud

During an on-site inspection, the farmer also misled inspectors by falsely claiming that the equipment had recently been disconnected due to adverse weather conditions.

The farmer has been charged with aggravated fraud and with submitting false information and documents in a procedure related to EU funding.

The EPPO has stated that all persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Latvian courts of law.

The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union.

It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.