OLAF/13/2
23 May 2013
OLAF Report 2012
New investigative procedures make OLAF more efficient
The thirteenth European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) Report, published today, presents
OLAF's activities in 2012.
During the year, OLAF has reinforced its investigative function and achieved significant
results. OLAF investigations have become more efficient and the overall average duration
of OLAF cases has decreased by seven months, from 29.1 months in 2011 to 22.6 in
2012. In particular, the selection phase of new cases has been significantly reduced, from
6.8 to 1.4 months at the end of the year. These improvements allow OLAF to better
tackle its workload, since the volume of incoming information OLAF receives has been
steadily increasing. In 2012 OLAF has also processed more cases than ever before: 465
cases were closed compared to 208 the previous year. These cases resulted in
recommendations to recover €284 million.
"In 2012, OLAF has kept up the high pace in fighting fraud and maintained the policy of
zero tolerance towards corruption. The excellent results presented in the Report
demonstrate OLAF's commitment to efficiency and high quality investigations. To achieve
the full impact in our fight against fraud, the cooperation of our partners and Member
States is essential. Swift and decisive actions are crucial in recovering misused EU money
and in bringing perpetrators to justice" said Giovanni Kessler, Director-General of OLAF.
Highlights of the Report:

In 2012, the duration of investigation and coordination cases has sharply
decreased, reaching an average of 22.6 months including the selection phase, a
22% decrease from 2011;

The average duration of the case selection phase was reduced from 6.8 to 1.4
months, a reduction of 80% compared to 2011. Through new and better selection
procedures, OLAF can decide more swiftly whether or not to open a case;

As a result of its investigations, OLAF made financial recommendations for the
recovery of €284 million. At the date of publication of this Report, the amount
reported as recovered by the competent authorities in 2012 was €94.5 million;

OLAF has received and treated an increased volume of incoming information:
1264 items in 2012, 21% more than 2011. While such incoming information
comes mainly from private sources, the number of items received from Member
States has doubled, signalling increased trust in OLAF.
OLAF  Rue Joseph II, 30  B-1000 Brussels (Belgium)  Tel: +32 (0)2 295 73 36  Web: http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud
OLAF  Rue Joseph II, 30  B-1000 Brussels (Belgium)  Tel: +32 (0)2 295 73 36  Web: http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud
The achievements of 2012 were the result of a major internal reorganisation combined
with the introduction of new investigative procedures and working practices. These
changes strengthened the investigative and policy-making capacity of OLAF. They also
contributed to a clearer distribution of responsibilities internally and reduced overheads,
making OLAF more efficient overall.
Throughout the year, OLAF continued to contribute
implementation of anti-fraud policies and legislation.
to
the
development
and
In the framework of the Commission's Anti-Fraud Strategy, OLAF worked closely with
other services of the European Commission to improve the detection and prevention of
fraud. OLAF also further developed its cooperation with other EU Institutions.
On behalf of the European Commission, OLAF successfully represented the European
Union throughout the negotiation process for the Protocol to Eliminate the Illicit Trade in
Tobacco Products to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco
Control.
Together with the Directorate-General for Justice, OLAF prepared a legislative proposal
concerning the establishment of a European Public Prosecutor's Office. The proposal is
planned for adoption in 2013. It seeks to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of
fraud against the EU budget.
In order to provide an overview of the breadth of OLAF activities in 2012 across different
sectors, the Report includes several case studies.
OLAF
The mission of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is threefold: it protects the financial interests of the
European Union by investigating fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities; it detects and investigates
serious matters relating to the discharge of professional duties by members and staff of the EU institutions and
bodies that could result in disciplinary or criminal proceedings; and it supports the EU institutions, in particular
the European Commission, in the development and implementation of anti-fraud legislation and policies.
For further details:
Alina BUREA
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32 2 295 73 36
E-mail: olaf-media@ec.europa.eu
http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud
OLAF  Rue Joseph II, 30  B-1000 Brussels (Belgium)  Tel: +32 (0)2 295 73 36  Web: http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud