French prosecutors probes Front National over suspected fraud

Media sources reported in January 2017 that prosecutors in France were probing the National Front (FN) and its leader for suspected fraud linked to payments for aides at the European Parliament (EP).

The investigation was reportedly opened in the previous month after carrying out a preliminary inquiry launched in March 2015 at the request of the EP, which had raised suspicions over payments to a total of 20 assistants working for FN MEPs.

A similar case concerned Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was told to repay a sum of money to the Parliament.

EUObserver, 05.01.17: French judges open case on Le Pen's alleged EU fraud https://euobserver.com/institutional/136455

EurActiv, 06.01.17: France scrutinises cash-strapped FN over alleged fraud http://www.euractiv.com/section/elections/news/france-scrutinises-fn-over-alleged-fraud/

France24, 05.01.17: Is Marine Le Pen’s Russian cash pipeline drying up? http://www.france24.com/en/20170105-france-national-front-marine-le-pen-russia-finance-election-campaign

Sputnik International, 05.01.17: Paris Prosecutors Investigating National Front Members For Fraud http://sptnkne.ws/djTM

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