What the EU does The European Union strives to protect its financial interests by investigating fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities that may affect its budget. To support this, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was established in 1999. OLAF's mission is to detect, investigate, and stop the fraudulent use of EU funds and other offences affecting the EU budget, as well as serious misconduct by staff and members of the EU institutions. It also develops and monitors anti-fraud legislation and policies. These efforts help to ensure that EU taxpayers’ money reaches the projects it is intended for and that EU revenue is adequately protected. Facts about fraud prevention €17 billionThe value of the fraud and irregularities that OLAF has uncovered since its founding in 19996000+The number of investigations OLAF has carried out in its 26 years€871.5 millionThe amount in euro that OLAF recommended be recovered to the EU budget in 2024 Areas of actionInvestigations related to EU revenueDiscover what areas of EU revenue OLAF investigatesInvestigations related to EU expenditureLearn how OLAF investigates the spending of EU budgetInternal administrative investigationsInvestigations of serious misconduct by staff and members of EU Institutions and bodiesPolicies to prevent and deter fraudLearn how OLAF shapes EU anti-fraud policiesUnion Anti-Fraud ProgrammeFinancial and technical support to EU countries in fighting fraudCooperation with investigative partnersCooperation with police, customs, administrative and judicial bodies, within and beyond the EU Key achievements Since its establishment in 1999, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has made a significant impact in protecting the EU’s financial interests from fraud and irregularities. Through independent investigations, OLAF protects Europe’s competitiveness and growth, the health and safety of Europeans and the environment. It makes sure that EU funds go where they belong: improving citizens’ lives and supporting key sectors such as agriculture, education, research and innovation, environment and industry.In addition to investigations, the EU has put in place anti-fraud policies and actions to enhance the effectiveness of the fight against fraud. Thanks to its expertise, OLAF supports the EU institutions in developing a sound legal framework that offers greater protection to the EU budget and to taxpayers’ money. EU countries can receive financial support to fight fraud through the Union Anti-Fraud Programme, in particular technical support, operational support for investigations, specialised training and research activities. A web-based tool, the Fraud Notification System allows citizens to report fraud online, in any of the official EU languages, anonymously.In 2021, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) started its operations. It is the EU’s independent, public prosecution office, responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to trial crimes against the financial interests of the EU. In focus No money for fake honey'From the hives' was an EU-coordinated action targeting imports of honey into the EU. It was led by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, with the national authorities of 18 countries which are part of the EU Food Fraud Network, OLAF and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. They worked to detect honey that had been artificially altered with added cheap sugar syrups before reaching EU markets. OLAF supported the operation by helping with investigations and carrying out on-the-spot checks. 133 businesses (70 importers and 63 exporters) were found to be involved in consignments of honey suspected of adulteration. Latest news 5 December 2025OLAF awarded for protecting industrial and intellectual property rights in Europe27 November 2025Major seizures of hazardous toys by EU customs authorities under OLAF’s leadSee all Related informationEuropean Anti-Fraud OfficeReport fraud to OLAFAnnual OLAF reports
The European Union strives to protect its financial interests by investigating fraud, corruption and any other illegal activities that may affect its budget. To support this, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was established in 1999. OLAF's mission is to detect, investigate, and stop the fraudulent use of EU funds and other offences affecting the EU budget, as well as serious misconduct by staff and members of the EU institutions. It also develops and monitors anti-fraud legislation and policies. These efforts help to ensure that EU taxpayers’ money reaches the projects it is intended for and that EU revenue is adequately protected.
Internal administrative investigationsInvestigations of serious misconduct by staff and members of EU Institutions and bodies
Cooperation with investigative partnersCooperation with police, customs, administrative and judicial bodies, within and beyond the EU
No money for fake honey'From the hives' was an EU-coordinated action targeting imports of honey into the EU. It was led by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, with the national authorities of 18 countries which are part of the EU Food Fraud Network, OLAF and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. They worked to detect honey that had been artificially altered with added cheap sugar syrups before reaching EU markets. OLAF supported the operation by helping with investigations and carrying out on-the-spot checks. 133 businesses (70 importers and 63 exporters) were found to be involved in consignments of honey suspected of adulteration.
