EU prosecutors probe possible rail funding fraud in Spain after deadly train crash
The European Public Prosecutor's Office carried out investigative measures at Spain's rail infrastructure manager, safety agency and court of auditors. It is examining possible fraud involving EU funds for the Madrid-Seville high-speed line, where a deadly crash occurred last month.
European Union prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible fraud in the financing of Spain's rail network, following a high-speed train crash last month that killed at least 69 passengers. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), the EU body that investigates crimes affecting the bloc's funds, said on Friday it had carried out investigative measures in Madrid at three bodies: rail infrastructure manager Adif, the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and Spain's Court of Auditors.
According to the prosecutors, the inquiry concerns possible fraud affecting EU money allocated to renovating and upgrading safety, signalling and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed line. Adif confirmed the EPPO visit to the Reuters news agency, saying it complied with the search and provided the information requested. The other two organisations did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Second fatal crash this year
The collision on October 28 took place in Urda, Toledo province. It was the second fatal crash this year and led to the resignation of Transport Minister Oscar Puente, who called his departure a "matter of political dignity". Adif president Luis Pedro Marco de la Pena quit the following day. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo will cover the transport portfolio until elections in Spain later this month.
The EPPO had already opened a probe into the Spanish rail network in March, after a January high-speed crash in the Adamuz area killed 46 passengers. That investigation examines how EU funds for track maintenance were used. No updates on it have been reported.
EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said on Wednesday that the closeness of the two fatal accidents was "very worrying". He noted that Spain had asked the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) to assist with its ongoing national investigation.
At the end of October, survivors of three of Spain's deadliest train crashes called for better safety procedures and greater investment in network maintenance. Survivor Cristobal Gonzalez told Al Jazeera the crashes will continue if no action is taken. The 2013 Angrois crash, which killed 79 people, is Spain's deadliest rail accident in modern times.
