Cooperation in the fight against financial fraud, including cybercrime, is defined as one of the main priorities of cooperation between the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). It was agreed on this during a meeting of the Head of the ESBU International Cooperation Division, Mr. Anatoly Aleksandrov with the Director General of OLAF Mr. Ville Itala that was held in Brussels.

Besides, soon it is planned a joint formation of the risk analysis methodology for the use of EU financial resources for the reconstruction of Ukraine and development of the practice of monitoring the use of international technical assistance.

Director General of OLAF highly appreciated the results of the Bureau - a newly established authority in the system of economic security and noted the priority of OLAF's interaction with the ESBU as a basic partner in accordance with the Bureau's competences. During the meeting were agreed further steps in the development of cooperation, as well as OLAF's assistance in building the Bureau's institutional capacity and the involvement of EU technical assistance.

According to the results of the meeting, it was also agreed that the ESBU representatives of the BEB will participate in all training programs that will be conducted by OLAF. An algorithm for the exchange of information and methodological support of OLAF experts in joint investigations using the network of contacts of the European Anti-Fraud Office with the competent authorities of EU member states has been agreed, which will strengthen the Bureau's international interaction.

A Memorandum on strategic partnership and cooperation is also planned to be signed between the parties.

This meeting took place within the framework of the participation of the ESBU representative in the "2022 AFCOS Conference", which he attended at the invitation of the OLAF. Mr. Anatoly Aleksandrov also held important meetings with representatives of the management of the General Directorates of the European Commission and state authorities of the Kingdom of Belgium.

For reference: The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) is the body responsible for combating fraud and illegal use of the European Union funds. OLAF has the right to investigate the administrative activities and financing of any EU institution or body.