How Does Organised Crime Misuse EU Funds ?

Studie 15-07-2011

This study focuses on if, how and to what extend organised crime is involved in defrauding the EU. By research and interviews it is clear that there is no universal definition of organised crime and that different working definitions are being used by EU institutions and agencies. In this study research is conducted on the means and methods of misuse of EU funds by organised crime and the quantification of EU funds misused by organised crime in 2009. The conclusion is that little information on how and to what extent organised crime misuse EU funds is available from OLAF, Europol, Eurojust and ECA. In addition, several recommendations are made focussing on use of uniform definitions of ‘misuse/fraud’ and ‘organised crime’, a permanent uniform fraud prevention program in the EU institutions, better exchange of information and uniform registration of cases for further analysis, development of proactive review of beneficiaries of EU funds and increased transparency and accountability.