The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bratislava (Slovakia) conducted several searches to collect evidence in an investigation concerning suspected misuse of funds designated for military aid to Ukraine, with damages estimated at 7.4 million euros. Eight individuals were detained, four of whom are public officials from the Ministry of Defence, EPPO announced. The institution is led by the European Chief Prosecutor, Romanian Laura Codruța Kovesi.

The searches followed EPPO’s April 2025 decision to initiate an investigation into senior officials from the Ministry of Defence suspected of misappropriating funds allocated for Ukraine’s military support.

"Between February and March 2022, senior officials from the Slovak Ministry of Defence submitted reimbursement claims to the European Peace Facility (EPF) for military aid provided to Ukraine, specifically for donated ammunition. The suspects allegedly intentionally violated their obligations and the public budget rules by issuing unjustified orders for the purchase of ammunition from two private companies," stated the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

EPPO suspects that the public procurement procedure was rigged and that the ammunition was overpriced.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is an ally of Russia and Vladimir Putin. Recently, Fico stated he is considering Slovakia’s withdrawal from NATO.