The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) released its annual report on Monday, detailing findings across EU member states. According to the report, no criminal charges were brought in Bulgaria between 2021 and 2025, despite 42 checks being conducted by the office during that period. In five instances where follow-up action was recommended, national authorities opted to discontinue the cases, with one decision currently pending.
Last year alone, five checks were concluded in Bulgaria, resulting in two recommendations for further action. OLAF’s mandate involves investigating suspicions of fraud or irregularities. When compelling evidence of a crime is identified, the office forwards the information to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and may advise national courts on initiating judicial proceedings.
Financially, the office issues recommendations aimed at the recovery of EU funds. More broadly, between 2021 and 2025, OLAF issued 145 judicial recommendations across EU nations. National authorities responded with 73 decisions, of which 27 resulted in formal charges being filed.
The data also highlighted the financial impact of these investigations, showing that over the past decade, the office’s recommendations have led to varying amounts recovered for the EU budget, ranging from over EUR 3 billion in 2017 to just over EUR 500 million last year.
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