In brief
A new EPPO investigation targets Spain’s ADIF, AESF and the Court of Auditors, with assistance from the Spanish Civil Guard, following deadly crashes on the Madrid‑Seville line. It follows an earlier March 2026 probe that uncovered potential fraud after a 46‑person death near Adamuz. No further details have been released as the EPPO cites high public interest.
EPPO has announced the launch of a second investigation into suspected fraud involving EU funds for the maintenance and upgrading of Spain’s Madrid‑Seville high‑speed railway. The announcement, made by the EPPO’s Madrid office on Friday, follows deadly train accidents on the line and builds on the agency’s initial inquiry conducted in March 2026.
The new investigation focuses on three Spanish entities: the railway infrastructure manager ADIF, the Spanish Railway Safety Agency (AESF) and the Court of Auditors. EPPO has enlisted the support of the Central Operative Unit (UCO) of the Spanish Civil Guard to conduct investigative measures.
Background of the Investigation
In March 2026, EPPO opened its first probe into possible fraud involving EU funds earmarked for railway maintenance near Adamuz, where a January train accident killed 46 people. The earlier enquiry was launched at the agency’s own initiative after the incident raised concerns over the use of European financial assistance.
That inquiry was followed by a new investigation after a fatal crash on October 28 near Urda, in Toledo province, on the same Madrid‑Seville high‑speed line. The October accident prompted EPPO to reconsider the integrity of the funding and delivery of the line’s safety, signalling and communication systems.
Scope and Approach of the Second Probe
The second probe examines whether EU funds allocated for the upgrading of the line were misappropriated or misused during the maintenance and implementation of its safety components. Investigators are reviewing financial records, contracts and operational processes within the agencies cited above.
According to a statement from EPPO, the investigation is conducted “on its own initiative” and that the agency has “exceptionally” decided to confirm the opening of the investigation due to the high level of public interest. The organization emphasized that it would not disclose further details at this stage, indicating that the inquiry is still in its early investigative phase.
Spanish authorities have expressed cooperation with the CLUA and the UCO as part of the investigative effort. The EPPO’s Madrid office has worked closely with the Civil Guard and the auditing bodies in order to secure comprehensive access to relevant documents and personnel.
For now, the public has not been provided with additional specifics about the alleged fraud, and EPPO has indicated that further updates will be released as the probe progresses and as evidence is gathered.
The second investigation underscores the EU’s commitment to accountability and transparent use of financial resources for infrastructure projects across member states. As the inquiry continues, stakeholders in Spain’s transport sector will be closely monitoring any developments that may shed light on the alleged mismanagement of EU funding for the Madrid‑Seville high‑speed rail line.
