EU anti-fraud agency OLAF warns defence spending surge is attracting fraud risks

The EU anti-fraud agency OLAF has warned Europe’s defence build-up is attracting criminal activity, director Petr Klement said.

Spending linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine has increased fraud risks across EU budgets.

Key developments:

  • Rising tip-offs on defence procurement and research projects reported by OLAF
  • EU defence funding includes €500mn ammunition, €150bn loans, €1.5bn industry programme
  • OLAF flagged €597mn for recovery last year; €6.8bn over a decade; €18.1mn prevented

OLAF director Petr Klement said the agency focuses on protecting EU financial interests, with cases referred to national authorities or the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) for prosecution, though follow-up varies across member states.

ℹ️ Financial Times

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EU anti-fraud agency OLAF warns defence spending surge is attracting fraud risks
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