BELGRADE, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Serbia's special anti-corruption department has initiated an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds in the country, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office announced Tuesday.
The probe followed accusations made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who led the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency. The allegations suggested possible misuse of American taxpayer funds including money laundering and misallocation of aid.
The preliminary investigation focused on suspected abuse of office and money laundering, currently involving unidentified individuals. Prosecutors have been examining whether certain U.S. contractors and Serbian NGOs improperly concentrated funds and lacked financial transparency.
Authorities have instructed police to gather documents from four NGOs, the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability, Civic Initiatives, the Center for Practical Policy and the Trag Foundation, regarding their handling of USAID donations.
Additionally, Serbia's financial intelligence unit and the national bank have been tasked with reviewing the financial transactions of the targeted organizations. The investigation aimed to establish whether any Serbian entities engaged in illicit financial practices linked to USAID funding. ■