Brussels, 01/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - A new electronic system, the "Fraud Notification System" (FNS), is now in place to make it even easier and safer for vigilant European citizens and civil servants to report their suspicions of corruption and fraud to the European anti-fraud office (OLAF) over the internet, anonymously if they wish. The new FNS has been online since Monday 1 March.
This new Fraud Notification System makes it possible to send information to OLAF anonymously, "but nevertheless to enter into dialogue with our investigators", explained Nicholas Ilett, acting OLAF director-general, quoted in a press release.
OLAF has always relied on the help of the citizens, businesses and civil servants of Europe to carry out its mission, which is to protect the financial interests of the European Union and to fight fraud, corruption and any other illegal activity, including misconduct within the European institutions. For several years, the Office has received information from throughout Europe, over the telephone (no-charge numbers) and by e-mail.
OLAF is currently extending this service, offering a new fraud communication system over the internet. Previously, OLAF has investigated anonymous tip-offs, in full respect of the legal bases in force, subjecting them to stricter preliminary scrutiny in order to prevent abuse. In practice, this form of anonymous communication regularly has the disadvantage that OLAF investigators cannot ask the informant any questions to obtain clarification. This is no longer a problem with the new Fraud Notification System: the latest technical measures guarantee the informant absolute anonymity, whilst at the same time giving the option to enter into dialogue with an OLAF investigator if required. The way the new system works is similar to that of an anonymous mailbox in which both parties can leave messages. FSN is available on the OLAF website (http: //ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud/index_fr.html). (L.C./transl.fl)