Operational analysis & risk assessment
In the framework of its investigations OLAF analyses information from all relevant sources with a two-fold aim:
- to identify and substantiate cases of fraud and irregularities;
- to monitor, assess and report weaknesses in legislation, contracts, as well as management and control systems.
Its specialist support unit – with analysts, IT and technical staff, computer forensic examiners and others – provides OLAF's investigators as well as other Commission departments and partner authorities in EU countries with analytical support in OLAF casework.
It produces analysis reports on policy areas such as research, administrative expenditure, external assistance, fisheries, and regional risk assessments. These contain an analysis of OLAF's operational findings and a description of irregularities and frauds detected.