The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) reported that no criminal charges were brought in Bulgaria between 2021 and 2025 based on the recommendations issued by the office. During this four-year period, a total of 42 checks were conducted. Of the five instances where follow-up action was recommended, national authorities chose to discontinue the cases, and one decision remains pending.
In the preceding year, five checks were completed, leading to follow-up recommendations in two cases. The report clarified that OLAF issues recommendations to national authorities when suspicions of fraud or irregularities are identified, often concerning the recovery of funds. If compelling evidence of a crime is found, the office forwards information to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and may recommend that national courts consider initiating judicial proceedings.
More broadly, between 2021 and 2025, OLAF issued 145 judicial recommendations across EU countries. National authorities subsequently made 73 decisions, resulting in 27 instances where formal charges were brought. The data also highlighted the financial impact of the anti-fraud efforts over the past decade.
For instance, in 2017, recovered funds for the EU budget exceeded EUR 3 billion, compared to just over EUR 500 million recovered last year.
Topics: #office #charges #anti
