Over €1.2 billion of EU taxpayers' money was wrongfully spent last year, according to an annual report from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on Tuesday.
The accusations include collusion, public market manipulation and inflated bills. OLAF investigators suggested that the public money affected by irregularities and fraud should be returned to the EU budget. The organisation prevented around €209 million from the EU budget from being misspent in 2023.
OLAF closed 265 cases and launched 190 probes last year. In the same report, OLAF also highlighted an increase in digital fraud and irregularities.
Concerning customs, the EU body noted attempts at abusing transit customs procedures, circumventing anti-dumping duties, origin fraud and under-valuation of goods. OLAF helped reduce various kinds of illicit trafficking, including counterfeit medicines and toys, and illegal wines and spirits.
OLAF also closed 44 investigations relating to irregular behaviours attributed to EU personnel or institution members.
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The agency operates across all areas of EU expenditure, from regional funding to agriculture and research. Last year, investigations were launched in every Member State and in countries outside the EU.
Once a probe is closed, OLAF establishes recommendations. It then falls on EU authorities and relevant national agencies to examine and make follow-up decisions on said recommendations.
