OLAF investigates a wide range of wrongdoings from embezzlement, fraudulent claims and misconduct in public procurement procedures, to customs fraud. Far from being an exhaustive list, these examples seek to illustrate different angles of OLAF’s investigative activity or different key moments in the lifespan of a case.

Between 2010-2015, OLAF:

• Concluded over 1400 investigations
• Recommended the recovery of over €3 billion to the EU budget
• Issued over 1600 recommendations for judicial, financial, disciplinary and administrative action to be taken by the competent authorities of the Member States and the EU.

Drawing on its accumulated knowledge and experience, OLAF helps the authorities responsible for managing EU funds – inside and outside the EU – to understand fraud types, trends, threats and risks, and to protect the EU's financial interests by preventing fraud of all kinds.

The Hercule Programmes fund actions which aim to prevent and combat fraud, corruption and other illegal activities affecting the EU's financial interests. Actions eligible for funding include technical and operational investigation support, specialised trainings, research activities and they are implemented via grants and contracts.