Investigation claims Frontex involved in Aegean sea migrant pushbacks / EU border agency chief resigns after watchdog probe findings released

EU border agency chief resigns after watchdog probe findings released

 

Frontex Director Fabrice Leggeri has overseen the agency during a period of scrutiny into its alleged role in illegally turning away migrants.

 

BY SUZANNE LYNCH AND JACOPO BARIGAZZI

April 29, 2022 10:56 am

https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-border-agency-fabrice-leggeri-resigns-watchdog-probe-findings-released-misconduct/

 

EU border agency chief Fabrice Leggeri is resigning following the release of initial findings from a long-running EU anti-fraud watchdog probe into misconduct at the agency, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.

 

Leggeri has led the agency, Frontex, since 2015. In recent years, Frontex has come under significant scrutiny for its alleged role in illegally turning migrants away at the EU’s borders, a practice known as pushbacks. Frontex has also faced allegations of harassment and misconduct within the agency itself.

 

The EU anti-fraud watchdog, OLAF, has been investigating the accusations for over a year and is now preparing its final conclusions.

 

One EU official said Leggeri is not the only top official involved in the report that has stepped down.

 

Frontex has not yet replied to a request for comment.