OLAF/06/18
Brussels, 25 October 2006
International Conference about Operational Co-operation From 25 to 27 October, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) hosts a conference entitled, “Improving Operational Co-operation”. For the first time, 200 participants, including OLAF’s regular partners, the European Commission, the investigatory customs services of the Member States, Acceding countries and third countries come together to exchange views and generate recommendations for improving operational cooperation during investigations. Approximately 40 countries and several international organisations are represented in various investigation units of OLAF, with staff specialising in internal and external inquiries, customs, structural funds, agriculture, external aid and direct expenditures. On the first day of the conference, Mr. Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud, welcomes participants and introduces them to the policies of the European Commission and operational co-operation. He has declared: “Networking between prosecutors, police officers, investigators, regulators and others involved in anti-fraud services is not only beneficial, but actually is a necessary condition, one that determines the final outcome of all investigations. Publicity of results achieved by OLAF and its partners is proof that the EU acts to protect the taxpayers money .”
On the second day, participants will attend workshops, with OLAF investigators present to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practice and to try to find concrete solutions to the problems which may challenge operational cooperation.
On the third day, a panel discussion will be held, followed by the presentation of OLAF’s recommendations.
The programme for this conference can be downloaded from OLAF website.
Alessandro Butticé Spokesman of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Tel : +32 (0)2 296.5425 Fax : +32 (0)2 299.8101
E-mail: olaf-press@ec.europa.eu
http://ec.europa.eu/olaf
