KPO for HoReCa under scrutiny by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

In recent weeks, the media have reported possible irregularities in the spending of funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO) for the HoReCa, tourism, and culture sectors. The case has taken on an international dimension — the investigation has been handed over to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and foreign media, including Politico, have started covering the situation in Poland.

Investigators are examining whether there have been instances of:

• misappropriation of funds — i.e. using grants for purposes other than those intended,
• fraudulent grant applications — such as submitting false or misleading documents already at the application stage.

It’s worth keeping in mind that:

• even controversial investments (e.g. the purchase of a yacht or hotel equipment) could still fall within the criteria set by PARP,
• the key issue is whether the beneficiary actually implemented the approved project in accordance with the agreement,
• in the current climate of increased scrutiny, even entrepreneurs acting in good faith may find themselves facing criminal proceedings.