OLAF and AFCOS Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Fraud at International Conference

OLAF and AFCOS Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Fraud at International Conference

(IN BRIEF) The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) hosted a conference in Brussels with representatives from national Anti-Fraud Coordination Services (AFCOS) across the EU and candidate countries to enhance cooperation in fighting fraud. The event emphasized the need for collective action to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit new technologies. Key discussions included OLAF’s new access to banking data for cross-border investigations, the use of AI in detecting fraud, and the vital role of AFCOS in fund recovery and risk management. The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration between OLAF and national agencies in protecting EU financial interests.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 19-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) recently hosted a two-day conference in Brussels, bringing together around 100 representatives from the national Anti-Fraud Coordination Services (AFCOS) of EU Member States and candidate countries. The conference, held on October 15-16, 2024, focused on exchanging best practices and enhancing cooperation in the fight against fraud. The event emphasized the shared goal of OLAF and AFCOS to safeguard the financial interests of the EU and ensure that citizens benefit from EU funds.

Ville Itälä, OLAF Director-General, highlighted the importance of effective collaboration in addressing evolving fraud tactics that exploit new technologies and cross-border loopholes. He stressed the need for swift and collective responses from anti-fraud entities to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

The conference explored key themes, including OLAF’s recent ability to access banking data for cross-border investigations, which has already produced significant results. Additionally, the role of Artificial Intelligence in fraud detection was discussed, particularly its application in generating profiles and aiding in complex transnational investigations. Participants also examined the critical role of AFCOS in recovering funds and managing irregularities through data mining and risk scoring.

Over the two days, attendees from across the EU and candidate countries shared their experiences, such as investigating double funding and dealing with confidentiality issues. The event reinforced the importance of collaboration, with OLAF’s successes closely tied to strong partnerships with AFCOS and other anti-fraud bodies.

Background

EU Member States are required to designate an anti-fraud coordination service (AFCOS) in accordance with Article 12a of Regulation 883/2013 to facilitate effective cooperation and exchange of information, including information of an operational nature, with OLAF.

Member States are autonomous in deciding where to best place the AFCOS within their national administrative structure. The placement of AFCOS should provide for its visibility and importance in relation to other relevant authorities in the field of protection of the EU’s financial interests. Some Member States placed their AFCOS either within the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Interior; others established it as an independent Government’s service.

More information is available on OLAF’s website.

OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.

OLAF fulfils its mission by:
•    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
•    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
•    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
•    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
•    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
•    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

Media Contacts:

Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335
Email: olaf-media@ec.europa.eu
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
X: @EUAntiFraud
LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

Theresa ZAHRA
Deputy Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32 (0)2 29-57270
Email: olaf-media@ec.europa.eu
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
X: @EUAntiFraud
LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

Source: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)