News

The European Anti-Fraud Office has played a central role in uncovering a large-scale customs and VAT fraud scheme involving imports of textiles, footwear, electric bicycles and other goods - leading to significant criminal enforcement action by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Poland.

In 2025, the European Anti-Fraud Office recommended the recovery of misused EU funds amounting to almost €600 million, according to its annual report released today.

The European Anti-Fraud Office, together with customs authorities from 30 countries, has successfully carried out a large-scale operation targeting the illicit trade in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

OLAF hosted the African-European Investigation Forum, held on 17–18 March 2026 in Brussels, bringing together around 80 representatives of investigative, control and anti-corruption authorities from across Africa to discuss best practices and exchange operational experience.

The Fight Against Fraud Department has ensured, supported and coordinated the fulfilment of Romania's obligations regarding the protection of the financial interests of the European Union.

For the sixth consecutive year, OLAF has facilitated the efforts of customs authorities from 14 EU Member States in Operation SHIELD VI, a coordinated crackdown against the illegal trade of medicines, anabolic steroids, doping substances, and unregulated food supplements.

OLAF has supported Albanian authorities in uncovering and stopping the illegal export of hazardous industrial waste from the port of Durrës, Albania to Thailand, highlighting the growing global threat posed by illegal waste trafficking.

A new ordinance complements anti-fraud measures aimed at protecting EU financial interests through European funds allocated to Romania under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

On 3 - 4 February 2026, OLAF experts delivered a two-day training course in Athens for 100 financial analysts and investigators from the Directorate Αgainst Organised Crime.