MALT case: Eurojust seized €23,800 from the accounts of the Luxembourg Pirate Party

Luxembourg's Pirate Party has found itself at the epicentre of an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), confirming the seizure of €23,800 from its accounts in April 2025. The investigation is part of a case codenamed MALT, related to a government contract for the development of a translation app awarded back in 2016 amid an influx of refugees.

The contract was for the creation of a digital tool for the National Office for Refugee Reception (ONA), but the investigation has raised questions about the intended use of the funds. The details of the investigation have not been disclosed, but it is known that there are suspicions of financial mismanagement in the implementation of the project.

In an official statement, the party emphasises that the current leadership had nothing to do with the project, as many of the current leaders were not yet part of the political structure in 2016. Nevertheless, the Pirate Party assures full transparency and co-operation with the justice system, and calls on those responsible - if identified - to take responsibility.

The legal interests in the case are represented by separate lawyers, and although Sven Clement is mentioned as one of the defendants, he is not acting on behalf of the party. This is important because Clement is one of the movement's most recognisable politicians, having previously represented it in parliament.

Despite the seizure of funds, the party said it continues to operate in a financially sustainable and politically active manner, with a particular emphasis on transparency in governance and refraining from withholding information.

It remains to be seen whether the investigation will lead to legal action, but the mere fact that EPPO - a body specialising in cross-border financial crime in the EU - intervened indicates the seriousness of the claims.