Brussels, 29/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - In 2013, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) succeeded in stepping up the fight against fraud across Europe, according to this organisation's annual report, published on Tuesday 29 April.
In 2013, OLAF received the most incoming information of potential investigative interest since its creation - 1,294 items. By way of comparison, in 2013, the Office received 35% more information than five years ago in 2009, reflecting the continued attention of EU citizens, institutions and other partners on fraud issues. This higher flow of incoming information shows increased confidence in OLAF's investigative capacities, a press release states.
Despite the higher volume of incoming information, OLAF succeeded in continuing to assess this information in a short time - 1.8 months on average - before deciding whether to pursue a case or not. Over the last two years, OLAF reduced the duration of this selection phase by over 70%.
OLAF opened a high number of investigations: 253 in total. This is an increase of over 58% compared with 2009. 293 investigations were also completed in 2013. The average duration of an investigation decreased to 21.8 months. This is the shortest average duration of investigations over the last five years. OLAF issued 353 recommendations for financial, judicial, administrative or disciplinary action to be taken by the competent authorities. This is 81% more compared to 2009. In 2013, OLAF also recommended a high amount of recoveries to the EU budget, €402.8 million. “In 2013 we succeeded in modernising OLAF and in making it an increasingly proficient Office in the fight against fraud and corruption in the EU. The reorganisation of 2012 has yielded promising results and has allowed us to step up our investigative effort”, said Giovanni Kessler, director general. OLAF also adopted new Guidelines on Investigation Procedures for OLAF staff. (LC)