Investigations related to EU staff
Scope
Investigations related to EU staff cover fraud, corruption, embezzlement and any other illegal activity committed by EU officials and other staff (temporary agents, local agents, and contract agents) which affects the EU's financial interests. For example:
- irregularities in tender procedures
- false statements / false documents
- conflicts of interest
- irregular expenditure (e.g. misuse of allowances)
Which institutions?
OLAF investigates alleged misconduct by staff working in all institutions, bodies, offices and agenciesAll available translations. of the EU. For example:
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European Parliament |
European Council |
Council Presidency |
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Council of the EU |
European Commission |
Court of Justice |
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Court of Auditors |
European Central Bank |
European External Action Service |
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European Ombudsman |
European Data Protection Supervisor |
European Investment Bank |
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European Investment Fund |
Economic and Social Committee |
Committee of the Regions |
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35 regulatory agencies |
5 executive agencies… |
|
Geographical coverage
Most investigations related to EU staff centre on Brussels and Luxembourg – where most EU staff work.
But OLAF also investigates cases:
- in any EU country (cases involving EU offices or agencies, for example)
- anywhere in the world (cases involving delegations or funds disbursed by the EIB, for example).
Who can report suspicions to OLAF?
Anyone – not EU staff but also, for example, national civil servants (EU or non-EU), journalists, contractors… If you suspect an EU official or other member of staff of fraud, corruption, dereliction of duty, or other forms of serious misconduct…
You do not need to wait until you have proof before reporting your concerns; we will conduct our own investigation. You can talk to us in confidence.
Powers of investigation
OLAF investigators:
- have the right to immediate and unannounced access to documents, accounts and other information held by EU bodies in whatever format
- can – in accordance with the procedures laid down in Regulation 2185 - carry out spot-checks on other organisations or businesses that may hold information relevant to EU staff investigations
- request interviews with witnesses and potential suspects.
For more information see Regulation 1073/99 on OLAF investigations 
(in particular Article 4(2) and 4(3) on OLAF's powers of investigation.
Presumption of innocence
Anyone under investigation by OLAF is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How are investigations conducted?
OLAF investigators gather evidence demonstrating either guilt or innocence with a view to supporting or disproving the allegations. This is done by gathering and analysing all available documents and data, and interviewing witnesses and potential suspects. Activities regarding EU staff investigations may also include office visits and on-the-spot checks.
OLAF performs its duties with integrity, impartiality and professionalism, whilst respecting individuals’ rights and freedoms. Its investigation units comprise investigators with professional qualifications, such as accountants, auditors, customs officers, magistrates, police officers and prosecutors.
Who does OLAF work with?
In the context of investigations related to EU staff, OLAF cooperates closely with the European Commission's Investigation and Disciplinary Office (IDOC), which investigates breaches of the EU institutions' Staff Regulations and which shares OLAF’s zero tolerance policy.
- OLAF has the authority to review all cases before deciding whether to investigate itself or refer the matter to IDOC.
- IDOC provides disciplinary follow-up in cases where OLAF considers that financial or administrative irregularities have occurred, following its investigation.
OLAF also closely cooperates with other institutions' disciplinary bodies, such as the European Investment Bank's Inspectorate General.
Outcome of investigations
Where appropriate, investigations may result in administrative, financial, disciplinary or judicial proceedings.
