Federica Mogherini and Stefano Sanino have been released, as authorities assessed that they do not pose a risk of fleeing, while the investigation into possible fraud in EU tenders continues. The two officials had been arrested by Belgian police on Tuesday as part of a fraud investigation.

The former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the former secretary-general of the EEAS Stefano Sanino were released from custody after being detained for questioning in connection with the fraud probe, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Wednesday.

Mogherini, now rector of the College of Europe, Sanino, and a member of the College’s staff were arrested on Tuesday as part of an investigation into whether the public tender launched by the EEAS in 2021–22 — aimed at selecting an academic institution to host the European Diplomatic Academy — had been “rigged” in favor of the College of Europe.

“The charges concern fraud in public procurement and corruption, conflict of interest, and violation of professional secrecy. They were released because they are not considered a flight risk,” the prosecutor’s statement said.

The charges have not been proven, and Mogherini, Sanino, and the third person arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.