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Five people have been arrested in Norway over suspected fraud and bribery involving contracts to provide services to NATO ships.
The European Union’s criminal justice agency, Eurojust, estimates that the alleged fraud caused losses of around €1 million ($1.1 million). Searches were also carried out in Germany and Romania as part of the investigation.
Authorities suspect a company and its subcontractors of submitting false invoices for shore-based services provided to NATO ships and their crews during port visits in north-western Europe.
The case involves contracts linked to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which helps NATO member countries and partner nations obtain defence equipment, security systems and support services.
Eurojust said the investigation began in April 2025 and involves authorities in Norway, Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom.
Norwegian economic crime authority Økokrim said the five people were arrested in the Bergen area on Wednesday. They have been charged with aggravated fraud against the NSPA or helping others commit the alleged fraud.
Investigators believe the scheme ran from 2021 to 2025. It allegedly involved charging the NSPA too much for services provided to NATO ships visiting Norwegian ports, including Bergen.
The company under investigation has not been named. Authorities also suspect it used an intermediary to bribe public officials to secure favourable treatment in its dealings with the NSPA.
Eurojust said the estimated losses to NATO member countries were around €1 million, but the full amount of the alleged fraud is still unknown.
Authorities searched the company’s premises in Romania and several homes. In Germany, they searched two businesses and one home, Eurojust said.
The NSPA said the investigation followed earlier law enforcement actions in 2024 and 2025 but did not provide further details.
The agency established an investigative capability in 2023 and later developed it into an Office of Investigations to detect and tackle fraud and corruption in NATO-related procurement.
The NSPA said its work with national law enforcement agencies had led to actions including suspensions, bans from contracts and arrests.
Marianne Bender, a senior public prosecutor at Økokrim, said rising defence budgets worldwide also increased the risk of economic crime.
NATO does not own ships, tanks or weapons as an organisation. Its 32 member countries and partner nations obtain military equipment and support through procurement arrangements, including services provided through the NSPA.
These services include shore-based support for warships and their crews during port visits.
Økokrim said the case involves a large number of ship calls over several years. Authorities have not disclosed the total value of the contracts being investigated or confirmed the full amount of the suspected fraud.
The investigation is continuing, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
References: Reuters, AP News
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Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
