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News found: 2074 of 2074
EPPO: Successful German-Austrian Operation against Controversial Mask Deal
EPPO investigations into COVID-19-related frauds become increasingly important. On 29/30 September 2021, the EPPO conducted searches in Austria as part of a cross-border investigations into customs fraud in relation to the import of FFP2 masks from China to the EU. The investigations are led by … Read more
Thomas Wahl
EU
EPPO
EU Chief Prosecutor: EPPO Is Understaffed
In a discussion with MEPs of the Budgetary Control Committee on 1 October 2021, European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi stressed the staff shortages, which prevent the EPPO from effectively fulfilling its duties. Kövesi reported on the first results of EPPO’s activities since its operational … Read more
EU
EPPO
General Court Defines Conditions for Public Access to OLAF Final Report
On 1 September 2021, the General Court annulled the decision of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) not to grant (partial) access to its final investigation report. Read more
EU
OLAF
Implementation Report on PIF Directive
On 6 September 2021, the European Commission published a report that assesses deficits as regards the Member States’ legislation implementing Directive 2017/1371 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (the “PIF Directive”). In general, the Commission concluded that all Member States have transposed the PIF Directive’s main provisions. However, there are outstanding conformity issues. Read more
EU
Protection of Financial Interests
EPPO Successfully Cooperates with Guardia di Finanza
On 8 and 17 September 2021, the EPPO reported on two cases in which the Office successfully cooperated with the Guardia di Finanza in Italy. Read more
EU
EPPO
Protection of Financial Interests
EPPO and ECA Sign Working Arrangement
On 3 September 2021, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) signed a working arrangement. Both bodies emphasise their common interest in the effective fight against fraud, corruption and any other criminal offence or illegal activity adversely affecting the EU’s financial … Read more
EU
EPPO
Commission Recommends Measures to Improve Journalists’ Safety
On 16 September 2021, the Commission presented a recommendation that sets out guidance for Member States to take effective, appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists. Read more
EU
Fundamental Rights
Victim Protection
Handbook on Firearms
At the beginning of July 2021, Frontex published a Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs Officers, providing the latest information onTypes of weapons;Modalities of firearm trafficking;Tactics and equipment to be used during border checks.The Handbook aims to assist … Read more
Cornelia Riehle LL.M.
EU
Frontex
Rapid Border Intervention Launched
Following an official request by the Lithuanian authorities asking for assistance with growing migration pressure at the country’s border with Belarus, Frontex launched a rapid border intervention to assist the EU Member State by supplying officers and equipment. In the first week of July 2021, … Read more
EU
Frontex
Scrutiny Working Group Report on Fundamental Rights Violations by Frontex
On 14 July 2021, the Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (FSWG) of the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee published its report on the fact-finding investigation into Frontex’s alleged fundamental rights violations (→ eucrim news of 1 April 2021). In general, the report concludes that there is … Read more
EU
Frontex
Handbook on Coast Guard Functions
Frontex, together with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), developed a Practical Handbook to enhance cooperation between coast guard functions across the EU. The handbook aims at further improving cross-border and cross-sector collaboration between civilian and military authorities … Read more
EU
Frontex
EJN 2019-2020 Activity Report
At the beginning of July 2021, the EJN published its Report on Activities and Management for the period 2019-2020. The report deals with the following:The EJN’s contribution to judicial cooperation in criminal matters, especially regarding the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), the European Investigation … Read more
EU
European Judicial Network (EJN)
Eurojust Assesses its Cooperation with Serbia
Since the appointment of the first liaison officer from Serbia at Eurojust (Ms Gordana Janicijevic) in March 2020, the number of cases with Serbian involvement at Eurojust has increased considerably. Eurojust registered 65 new cases originating in or concerning Serbia in its first year, … Read more
EU
Eurojust
Third Report of the Observatory Function on Encryption
On 2 July 2021, Eurojust published its Third Joint Report of the Observatory Function on Encryption. The report deals mainly with the following issues: Legal aspects of handling encryption in criminal investigations; Overview of legal frameworks in the Member States relating to encryption, including … Read more
EU
Eurojust
Eurojust Guidelines on How to Prosecute Investment Fraud
To combat the rising number of investment fraud cases, Eurojust (supported by Europol) has issued guidelines for prosecutors on how to prosecute investment fraud. The guidelines, presented on 5 July 2021, are divided into four parts:Information on the phenomenon of investment fraud;Challenges linked … Read more
EU
Eurojust
Pyramid Fraud Scheme Dismantled
An action day conducted by Italian authorities and supported by Eurojust as well as Bulgarian, French, and Swedish authorities brought a long-standing fraud scheme to an end. Using a pyramid system, fake websites, and shell companies, perpetrators evaded an estimated €120 million in taxes and … Read more
EU
Eurojust