The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) announces the departure of Ville It\u00e4l\u00e4, who has concluded his non-renewable seven-year term as Director-General of OLAF. It\u00e4l\u00e4 played a pivotal role in strengthening the EU\u2019s fight against fraud. During his tenure, OLAF closed 1,588 investigations, recommended the recovery of over \u20ac4 billion in misused EU funds, and prevented the undue spending of more than \u20ac810 million.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Appointed in 2018, Mr It\u00e4l\u00e4 led OLAF through a period marked by major challenges and unprecedented developments in the protection of the European Union\u2019s financial interests \u2013 from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which OLAF prevented the undue spending of billions on fake medical supplies and vaccines, to the EU\u2019s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine, where OLAF worked to enforce sanctions and bolster Ukraine\u2019s anti-fraud system.\u00a0<\/p>\n During Mr It\u00e4l\u00e4\u2019s tenure, OLAF successfully concluded numerous high-profile investigations and reinforced its role as a central pillar in the EU\u2019s anti-fraud architecture. Moreover, over the course of seven years, OLAF continuously improved its effectiveness, built capacity and competences, helped to recover misused funds, protected citizens\u2019 health and safety and safeguarded the environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Mr It\u00e4l\u00e4 also enhanced OLAF\u2019s cooperation with key anti-fraud partners including the European Court of Auditors (ECA) Europol, Eurojust, as well as the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO), whose creation he witnessed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been an honour to lead OLAF in its vital mission of protecting European taxpayers\u2019 money and promoting integrity within the EU institutions. I am proud of what we have achieved together \u2013 from strengthening OLAF\u2019s investigative capabilities to fostering strong partnerships across Europe and beyond. I extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues and partners for their unwavering dedication and professionalism,\u201d said Ville It\u00e4l\u00e4.\u00a0<\/p>\n With the conclusion of Mr It\u00e4l\u00e4\u2019s mandate, current Deputy Director-General Salla Saastamoinen<\/a> will assume the role of Acting Director-General of OLAF as of 1 August 2025, ensuring continuity of leadership until the appointment of a new Director-General, the selection process of which is ongoing.\u00a0<\/p>\n OLAF remains fully committed to its mission to detect, investigate and prevent fraud and other illicit activities affecting the EU budget. The Office will continue its work in close cooperation with national, EU and international partners to safeguard Union\u2019s financial interests.\u00a0<\/p>\n Background\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n In line with procedures, the Director-General is appointed via a competitive selection process, followed by public hearings at the European Parliament and a formal appointment by the European Commission. As of the end of July 2025, the selection procedure remains in progress, with candidates being evaluated in accordance with applicable rules<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n OLAF mission, mandate and competences:<\/strong> OLAF fulfils its mission by: In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning: Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF\u2019s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.<\/p>\n For further details:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pierluigi CATERINO
OLAF\u2019s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers\u2019 money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0contributing to strengthening citizens\u2019 trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.<\/p>\n
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335 \u00a0
Email: olaf-media![\"at\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/image.gif\"\/)
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
https:\/\/anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu<\/a>
LinkedIn:\u00a0European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)<\/a>
X:\u00a0x.com\/EUAntiFraud<\/a>
Bluesky:\u00a0euantifraud.bsky.social<\/a><\/p>\n