Nigel Farage’s partner linked to Brussels fraud probe

Published: 20 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Nigel Farage’s partner, Laure Ferrari, has reportedly been caught up in a long-running investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving a Eurosceptic organisation she once managed in Brussels. Ferrari served as executive director of the Institute for Direct Democracy in Europe (IDDE), a think tank that was later forced into liquidation amid scrutiny over its finances.

The European Commission’s anti-fraud office, OLAF, spent several years examining the organisation and a related parliamentary group, in which the UK Independence Party (Ukip) was the largest member. The findings were subsequently referred to Belgian authorities for further action. The case is scheduled to be heard by Chamber 69 of the tribunal de première instance, a Brussels court specialising in financial crime, with a ruling expected on November 5. Officials have said it will be a “final judgment” with the possibility of appeal.

A spokesman for the federal prosecutor, Ann Lukowiak, declined to comment on specific individuals under investigation or the sanctions proposed, citing confidentiality. Ferrari, however, has dismissed the allegations, claiming that the investigation was politically motivated. She described the accusations as “fake” and stemming from a hostile Member of the European Parliament, suggesting a bias against the organisation. There is no indication of any wrongdoing on Farage’s part, who served as an MEP from 1999 until 2020.

Corporate filings reviewed by The Times indicate that Ferrari was officially listed as the “day-to-day manager” of IDDE during the period under investigation. Auditors’ reports, combined with referrals from EU parliamentary authorities, triggered the anti-fraud office’s inquiry. Although IDDE went into liquidation in 2017, OLAF continued examining alleged “serious irregularities” and, in December 2019, submitted a judicial recommendation to Belgian law enforcement—actions that were kept largely unknown to the public at the time.

The investigation also encompassed the Alliance for Direct Democracy in Europe (ADDE), a Brussels-based political party consisting of Eurosceptic MEPs. Its director was Roger Helmer, a Ukip representative who later resigned amid a separate inquiry into misuse of public funds. OLAF has confirmed that the investigations launched in 2016 involved both ADDE and its sister entity, IDDE, and concluded in 2019 with a judicial recommendation forwarded to Belgian authorities, as Belgium was responsible for follow-up actions on the groups registered within its jurisdiction.

A spokesperson for Ferrari elaborated on the context surrounding the probe. Following the Brexit referendum in 2016, multiple Eurosceptic parties, including ADDE, faced scrutiny from the European Parliament’s Bureau, which oversees the allocation of annual funds to such groups. According to the spokesperson, a Green MEP leaked false allegations regarding the misuse of funds to the Dutch press. While OLAF had a duty to investigate, the subsequent criminal referral was ultimately limited to ADDE. The case involving IDDE did not proceed to criminal court, and the EU Court of Justice later annulled attempts by the European Parliament to reclaim funds from IDDE.

Ferrari’s legal representatives have emphasised that she was not personally implicated in any confirmed wrongdoing and that the allegations against her were politically charged. They argue that the case reflects broader tensions within the European Parliament at the time, rather than evidence of criminal misconduct. Despite the media attention, there is currently no indication that Farage himself was involved or had any connection to the financial irregularities being investigated.

The tribunal’s forthcoming judgment is expected to clarify the status of the case, but experts caution that the complexity of EU funding regulations and the interplay between political and judicial processes can make such investigations lengthy and opaque. Analysts note that investigations of this nature often span multiple years, particularly when they involve cross-border political organisations and oversight from institutions such as OLAF.

The situation has revived interest in the governance and oversight of Eurosceptic organisations in Brussels, highlighting the scrutiny faced by political entities that receive EU funding. Transparency and accountability remain central concerns, with both national and European authorities monitoring compliance closely. The case also underscores the sensitive balance between political rivalry and regulatory enforcement within the EU, where disputes over funding can quickly become highly publicised controversies.

While the investigation focuses on historical activities, it continues to draw attention due to Ferrari’s connection to Farage and the high-profile nature of the organisations involved. Legal commentators emphasise that allegations alone do not imply guilt and that the judicial process in Brussels will ultimately determine the outcome. Observers also note the broader implications for other political entities operating in the EU, as the case highlights the potential legal and reputational risks associated with financial management and governance practices.

As the November court date approaches, all eyes remain on Chamber 69 of the tribunal de première instance. Legal analysts expect careful scrutiny of both procedural and substantive aspects of the case, including evidence submitted by OLAF and previous audits. While the details of individual involvement remain largely confidential, the outcome could set important precedents for how EU anti-fraud investigations are handled in relation to political organisations.

The case has also prompted discussion among political commentators regarding the transparency and accountability of think tanks and political parties operating at the European level. While OLAF’s mandate is strictly investigative and independent, its findings can have significant political and reputational implications, particularly when public figures are associated with the organisations under review.

Ferrari’s representatives continue to maintain that the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated, while Farage has not commented on the ongoing proceedings. The tribunal’s upcoming ruling will provide a clearer picture of the situation and potentially close a chapter on an investigation that has spanned nearly a decade, beginning with inquiries launched in 2016 and concluding with OLAF’s recommendations in 2019.

In the meantime, Brussels-based legal experts and EU political analysts will closely monitor the proceedings, noting that the outcome could influence future oversight of political organisations and funding practices. The investigation serves as a reminder of the stringent regulations governing European political funding and the high standards of accountability expected of those managing public resources.