OLAF suspects embezzlement of anti-corruption funds
The European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) announced that it suspects Hungarian inspectors illegally misused European Union funds that were awarded to a Hungarian government agency to fight corruption, Hungarian online daily hvg.hu reported yesterday.
During its four-year-long investigation, OLAF said, the office found fraudulent invoices and cash payments at a consultant subcontracting for the former national development agency NFĆ, hvg.hu reported. OLAF said the money that was allegedly mishandled was provided by the EU for monitoring whether public procurement processes were undertaken in a legal manner. According to OLAF, the case may involve top Hungarian officials responsible for handling EU funds.
OLAF recommended a 100% correction for the shortcomings it found, which would mean that HUF 2.4 billion funding needs to be repaid, according to hvg.hu.
The online daily noted that OLAF has no authority to make steps in member states, it can only inform authorities in charge, who decide to launch a procedure or not. Budapestās main prosecutor PĆ©ter Polt said he is aware of OLAFŹ¼s investigation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gross Average Earnings at HUF 528,800 in January
Hungarian Lawmakers Ratify Finland's NATO Accession
Graphisoft Park Delays Transition to Dividend Payment in EUR
HIPA Awards 'Investors of the Year'
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
