Strengthening Olaf The European Anti Fraud Office PDF Download

In 2013, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) received the highest amount of incoming information since its creation: 1294 items. This reflects the con - tinued commitment of EU citizens, EU institutions and other partners to reporting suspected cases of fraud and also shows sustained confidence in OLAF. The selection of cases in OLAF lasted on average 1.8 months in 2013. OLAF succeeded in keeping the selection phase short despite the higher volume of incoming information. In 2012 and 2013, OLAF opened more investigations than in the preceding years (431 and 253 respectively), marking a new record high in a decade. The average duration of investigations in 2013 remained low at 21.8 months (23.6 months in 2012). The results of the last two years mark a clear improvement compared to previous years. This demonstrates the priority given by OLAF to improving the efficiency of its investigations and to reducing the overall duration of its cases. In 2013, OLAF issued 353 recommendations for action to be taken by the relevant EU institutions, bodies, offices, agencies or competent authorities of the Member States. This is an unprecedented high number since 2006, and a substantial increase (+77 %) compared to 2012. On 1 October 2013, Regulation No 883/2013 on investigations by OLAF entered into force. It brought significant changes to the work of OLAF and to its relations with various stakeholders. The Regulation further defines the rights of persons concerned, introduces an annual exchange of views between OLAF and the EU institutions and requires that each Member State designate an Anti-Fraud Coordination Service. OLAF's Director-General adopted new Guidelines on Investigation Procedures for OLAF staff which entered into force on the same day as the OLAF Regulation. OLAF and its Supervisory Committee have agreed on new Working Arrangements following the entry into force of Regulation No 883/2013. These Arrangements notably cover the modalities of how OLAF shares information with its Supervisory Committee. During 2013, OLAF has contributed greatly to the Commission's efforts to fight against cigarette smuggling. It will continue to consider this as a priority area. OLAF contributed to the adoption by the Commission of a proposal for establishing a European Public Prosecutor's Office responsible for investigating and prosecuting offences of fraud affecting the EU.