Europees Fraudebureau OLAF houdt vijfde conferentie van internationale rechercheurs (en)
Comparing elements of best investigative practice for interviews, for the protection of complainants or for the referral of cases to court was the major issue at the Fifth Conference of International Investigators in Lyon (France). During the meeting, hosted by Interpol and co-organised by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), participants also discussed the practical use of the "Uniform Guidelines for Investigations", endorsed one year ago. The "Guidelines" set out common basic principles for the work of investigative services world wide.
"Closer co-operation between investigative services is a key to more efficiency in the international fight against fraud and corruption", said Jean-Michel Louboutin, Interpol's Executive Director for Police Services. "First experience has shown that the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations facilitate the co-ordination of administrative investigators around the world", added Franz-Hermann Brüner, Chairman of the Conference Secretariat and Director of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
For three days, more than 80 senior officials from several countries and various international organisations[1] such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe and the EU shared their experience and looked for new and improved ways of co-operation. The participating administrative investigative services attached to organisations involved in providing financial aid reaffirmed their commitment to fighting fraud and corruption and emphasized their desire to increase operational effectiveness.
The "Uniform Guidelines for Investigations" were at the centre of debate. Participants received copies of a new brochure prepared for the Conference by the United Nations. This set of principles had previously been endorsed by the Fourth Conference of International Investigators hosted by OLAF in Brussels in 2003. The "Uniform Guidelines" will help all bodies involved in international inquiries to carry out their investigations efficiently and in an open, transparent and accountable manner and thereby ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
The Guidelines stipulate a common standard world wide; individual codes of conduct - such as the OLAF Manual - may provide for a higher level of protection.
The participants shared their views on the practical use of the Guidelines one year after their proclamation. They also took the opportunity for an exchange of experiences and an examination of the investigative methods of the various organisations attending the Conference: For instance, examples of good practice for interview techniques, report writing and dealing with subjects and witnesses were discussed. The Conference also analysed the questions that usually arise during the final phase of an inquiry when it comes to preparing the referral of a case to a national judicial authority and to the recovery of assets.
A presentation was made in relation to the successful UN / OLAF joint investigation team which was highlighted as an example of how the improvement of the existing co-operation between investigative agencies involved in this area strengthens the fight against fraud and corruption.
A panel on media relations concentrated on the use of information and communication as a means of deterrence and prevention. On this occasion the OLAF Anti-Fraud Communicators Network (OAFCN), for the first time, called upon Public Relations representatives of international organisations to join this group of co-ordination and mutual assistance.
The 6th Conference of International Investigators will be held in Washington next year and will be hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank.
Alessandro Butticé
Spokesman of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Tel : +32 (0)2 296.5425
Fax : +32 (0)2 299.8101
E-mail: olaf-press@cec.eu.int
[1] Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, African Union Commission, European Central Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Council of Europe, European Space Agency, Eurojust, Europol, UN Food an Agriculture Organization, Inter-American Development Bank, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, Independent Commission against Corruption, International Fund for Agricultural Development, UN Oil For Food Program, World Food Program, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Serious Fraud Office (UK), UNDP, Unesco, UNHCR, UNODC, UNRWA, USAID, Uppsala Regional Prosecution Authority (Sweden), WHO, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Meteorological Organization