European Anti-Fraud Office

The European Anti Fraud Office (commonly known as OLAF, from the French: Office européen de lutte antifraude) is mandated by the European Union with protecting the financial interests of the European Union. Its tasks are three-fold:

OLAF achieves its mission by conducting, in full independence, internal and external investigations. It coordinates the activities of its anti-fraud partners in the Member States in the fight against fraud. OLAF supplies Member States with the necessary support and technical know-how to help them in their anti-fraud activities. It contributes to the design of the anti-fraud strategy of the European Union and takes the necessary initiatives to strengthen the relevant legislation.

OLAF conducts administrative investigations. It has no judicial powers to oblige national law enforcement authorities to act on its follow-up recommendations.

Regulation No 883/2013 governing the work of OLAF entered into force on 1 October 2013. This Regulation builds on the experience gained by OLAF since its creation. It provides a clear statutory basis that codifies past practice and reinforces the effectiveness of OLAF's investigative activities. The Regulation also sets the basis for a better exchange of information between OLAF and its partners.

OLAF has a hybrid status. On the one hand, it is a Directorate General of the European Commission under the responsibility of Kristalina Georgieva, Vice-President in charge of Budget & Human Resources. On the other hand, it is independent for its investigative activities. In a Special Report of July 2005 the European Court of Auditors concluded that "the hybrid status of the Office, which has investigative autonomy but reports to the Commission for its other duties, has not adversely affected the independence of its investigative function. Being part of the Commission, the Office has been able not only to benefit from substantial administrative and logistical support, but also to take advantage of the anti-fraud legislation that is available to Commission departments".

OLAF has a staff of about 420: police, customs and legal experts from the Member States.

Former Italian prosecutor, Mr Giovanni Kessler was appointed OLAF Director-General by the European Commission, following consultation with the European Parliament and Council. He took up his functions in February 2011. The term of office is of seven years and is not renewable.

OLAF was created in 1999. Following the events which led to the resignation of the Santer Commission, its predecessor UCLAF (Unité de coordination de lutte anti-fraude) was replaced with a new anti-fraud body (OLAF) with stronger powers. These also included conducting investigations within the EU institutions.

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