European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

OLAF Coordinates International Investigation Into Suspected Circumvention of EU Sanctions Involving 766 Transport Vehicles

OLAF coordinated a cross-border investigation into suspected circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia involving the export of 766 transport vehicles. Although declared as destined for Türkiye, customs evidence and tracking established that vehicles never entered declared destinations (Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova) and were ultimately located in Russia. OLAF's findings led to criminal investigations in three EU Member States and prompted authorities to strengthen monitoring and risk profiling of future shipments.

OLAF Coordinates SHIELD VI: 3.1 Million Counterfeit Pills Seized Across 14 EU Member States

OLAF facilitated Operation SHIELD VI, coordinating customs authorities from 14 EU Member States in a crackdown on counterfeit medicines, anabolic steroids, doping substances, and unregulated food supplements. Authorities seized over 3.1 million pills, 104,000 packages of illicit goods, 23,014 ampoules and flasks, and more than 1,000 kilograms of products. Many seized items may contain unknown or hazardous ingredients, incorrect dosages, or no active pharmaceutical components. The operation involved Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Italy's Guardia di Finanza, with cooperation from Europol and rights holders.

Romania DLAF 2025 Activity Report: Intensifying Controls and Judicial Cooperation

The Romanian Department for the Fight Against Fraud (DLAF) published its 2025 activity report on 26 February 2026. The report highlights intensified controls and strengthened judicial cooperation to protect EU financial interests. The document is issued as a partner press release by OLAF.

African-European Investigation Forum Brings Together 80 Representatives From 29 African Countries

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) hosted the African-European Investigation Forum on 17–18 March 2026 in Brussels, bringing together approximately 80 representatives from investigative, control, and anti-corruption authorities of 29 African countries. The forum focused on strengthening cooperation in the fight against fraud affecting public funds, including procurement fraud in EU-funded projects and illicit trade in cigarettes, waste, and medicines.

Joint Customs Operation VAPE Seizes Over 94 Million E-Cigarettes Across 30 Countries

OLAF and customs authorities from 30 countries (23 EU member states and 7 non-EU partners) completed Joint Customs Operation (JCO) VAPE from 14 November to 15 December 2025, resulting in seizure of over 94 million pieces and over 2,500 kg/l of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and related goods. Belgium reported the largest single seizure with 1.7 million e-cigarettes. Most seized products were non-compliant with national laws, including banned flavours, excessive nicotine levels, and unauthorized devices.