Brussels, 06/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - The annual report of the independent committee of auditors for Europol has condemned the poor budgetary practices and points out in particular the pay out to a former deputy director who left year before finishing his contract, with a golden handshake that equalled 18 months salary (EUR 279, 000). The auditors committee consisting of three members from the Court of Auditors has judged (according to information obtained on this confidential report) that the pay out to Mr Valls-Russel was incorrect because it was carried out without any legal basis. The European Police Office acknowledges that the payoff was decided in agreement with the management board at Europol with the Council being fully informed. The spokesman considers that this situation could never be repeated given that Member States have rectified the absence of rules on redundancy money. The Justice and Home Affairs Council of 19 December in fact amended the status of Europol personnel (OJ C24 on 31 January 2003). From now on, in cases of "redundancies in the interest of Europol", the director or assistant director will receive until the end of their mandate: compensation that is equal to a basic salary for three moths; 85% of this payment from the fourth to sixth month; 70% until the end of the mandate. No redundancy money is envisaged in cases of resignation or sackings for disciplinary reasons.