European prosecutors investigating alleged fraud on high-speed rail line following Urda accident

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid is carrying out “investigative measures” at the headquarters of Adif (Spain's public rail infrastructure management company), the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF), and the Spanish Court of Auditors, as part of an investigation into alleged fraud concerning the maintenance of the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Seville.

This is the same rail line that saw tragic accidents in Urda, Toledo, last week, and in Adamuz, near Córdoba, in January. Combined, the accidents took the lives of over 100 people.

The investigation is being supported by the Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit (UCO) and was initiated by the EPPO, according to a statement released by the EU body this Friday.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office had already launched an investigation concerning this same rail line back in March.

Continental prosecutors are investigating potential fraud involving European funds earmarked for the renovation and improvement of safety, signaling, and communication systems on the rail line between Madrid and Seville.