Executive summary

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The OLAF report 2019

Executive summary

OLAF: DETECT, INVES TIGATE, PROTECT

In 2019, the investigations carried out by the European

Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) ranged from unravelling

complex frauds involving machinery bought using EU

funds and manipulated tender procedures, to major

joint customs operations targeting consumer goods

and cigarettes. An increasing number of cases involve

environment-related projects, in line with the EU’s

increased focus on green and sust ainable policies.

OLAF’S IN VESTIGATIVE PERFORMANCE IN 2019

 OLAF concluded 181 investigations, issuing 254

recommendations to the relevant national an d EU

authorities

 OLAF recommended the recovery of €485 million to

the EU budget

 OLAF opened 223 new investigations, following 1 174

preliminary analyses carried out by OLAF experts

TRENDS IN ANTI-FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS

The transnational dimension of its work allows OLAF

to form a unique view of the picture of the changing

nature of fraud across Europe. Some of the most

striking trends revealed by OLAF investigations during

the course of 2019 include:

collusion and manipulation of procurement

cross-border schemes that make detection more

difficult

frequent targeting of projects in third countries

continued targeting of research funding

smuggling and counter feiting involving complex

cross-border networks .

OLAF’S FI GHT AGAINST SMUGGLING

In addition to its investigation and coordination cases,

in 2019 OLAF co-organised or provided support to 13

joint customs operations and has mad e significant

progress in its efforts to fight the illicit trade in tobacco

products by helping national authorities seize more

than 251.4 million cigarettes.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE EU P OLICIES TO FIGHT

FRAUD

OLAF is regularly at the forefront of negotiating

legislative texts concerning the protection of the EU’s

financial interests against fraud and corruption. In 2019,

OLAF was instrumental in the adoption of the new

Commission anti-fraud strategy.