European Anti-Fraud Office

The European Anti Fraud Office (commonly known as OLAF, from the ) is mandated by the European Union with protecting the financial interests of the European Union. Its tasks are three-fold: to fight fraud affecting the EU budget, investigate corruption by staff of the EU institutions and develop anti-fraud legislation and policies. OLAF achieves its mission by conducting, in full independence, internal and external investigations. It coordinates the activities of its anti-fraud partners in the Member States in the fight against fraud. OLAF supplies Member States with the necessary support and technical know-how to help them in their anti-fraud activities. It contributes to the design of the anti-fraud strategy of the European Union and takes the necessary initiatives to strengthen the relevant legislation.