Paris Court Opens Probe Into Ex-Frontex Chief Fabrice Leggeri

The Paris Court of Appeal has launched a judicial investigation into former European Union border agency chief Fabrice Leggeri over allegations of complicity in crimes against humanity, according to a judicial source. The probe was initiated on March 18 following an appeal by the French Human Rights League (LDH) and migrant advocacy group Utopia 56, which challenged an earlier decision by an investigative judge to dismiss the case.

Leggeri, who led the EU’s Frontex agency from 2015 during the peak of Europe’s migrant crisis until his resignation in 2022, has long faced criticism from rights groups. The organisations accuse him of encouraging Frontex agents to cooperate with Libyan and Greek authorities in intercepting migrant boats, allegedly preventing asylum seekers from reaching European shores. Leggeri, now a European Parliament member representing France’s far-right National Rally party, has denied the accusations and stated he was unaware of the court’s decision.

The appeals court ruled that there were sufficient grounds to proceed, describing the complaint as “partially well-founded.” If prosecutors decide to pursue charges, they would need to seek the waiver of Leggeri’s parliamentary immunity, requiring approval from the European Parliament. LDH President Nathalie Tehio indicated that the investigation, first requested in 2024, is expected to be a lengthy process.

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