OLAF strengthens international net to protect Ukraine aid

On 5 July, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) hosted a series of multilateral and bilateral meetings with the senior management of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine (SAPO) and the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General (USAID).

As Ukraine’s current financial needs and future reconstruction following Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression require substantial help from the EU and other international donors, strategic and operational discussions among the participants focused on work priorities, fraud risks and main challenges that must be addressed in order to implement efficient and visible measures to fight fraud and corruption affecting the EU’s and international financial assistance to Ukraine.

OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä said: "I very much welcome the constructive and active approach of NABU and SAPO in looking for effective ways to overcome challenges protecting finances meant for Ukraine and its citizens, including funds coming from the EU. Their work is of critical importance for Ukraine’s recovery and I am very happy that OLAF can support them in their endeavours especially as an EU candidate country.

I also appreciate fruitful exchanges with colleagues from USAID, which are resulting in both OLAF and USAID working hand in hand for the oversight and protection of the financial help addressed to Ukraine. Today’s meetings were very encouraging and I look forward to our continuous cooperation".