Pre-paid cards for illegal migrants

7.11.2018

Question for written answer E-005637-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Mario Borghezio (ENF)

I understand that an organisation called Humanity Ventures has been established, in partnership between George Soros and MasterCard: the aim is to provide USD 500 million for migrants in Europe and, as stated on the MasterCard website, the project aims to ‘catalyse and accelerate the economic and social development of vulnerable communities around the world, in particular refugees and migrants’. Croatian police sources state that prepaid MasterCards are being distributed to migrants passing through the Balkans illegally; these cards do not bear a name but are marked with the acronyms of the UNHCR and the EU, together with a stamped number. It is also worth noting the partnership between MasterCard and Mercy Corps, another major American philanthropic organisation that distributes pre-paid cards to refugees throughout Greece and Serbia, using a non-cash payment system for those seeking refuge in Europe.

1. Who recharges these cards for illegal immigrants: MasterCard, Soros or the UN Refugee Agency?2. From which accounts and ATMs is the money withdrawn, what is the ceiling and is any record of the banking transactions kept? 3. What is the role of the EU?