Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice
Press release no. 23/2025
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) announces the departure of Ville Itälä, who has concluded his non-renewable seven-year term as Director-General of OLAF. Itälä played a pivotal role in strengthening the EU’s fight against fraud. During his tenure, OLAF closed 1,588 investigations, recommended the recovery of over €4 billion in misused EU funds, and prevented the undue spending of more than €810 million.
Appointed in 2018, Mr Itälä led OLAF through a period marked by major challenges and unprecedented developments in the protection of the European Union’s financial interests – from the COVID-19 pandemic, during which OLAF prevented the undue spending of billions on fake medical supplies and vaccines, to the EU’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine, where OLAF worked to enforce sanctions and bolster Ukraine’s anti-fraud system.
During Mr Itälä’s tenure, OLAF successfully concluded numerous high-profile investigations and reinforced its role as a central pillar in the EU’s anti-fraud architecture. Moreover, over the course of seven years, OLAF continuously improved its effectiveness, built capacity and competences, helped to recover misused funds, protected citizens’ health and safety and safeguarded the environment.
Mr Itälä also enhanced OLAF’s cooperation with key anti-fraud partners including the European Court of Auditors (ECA) Europol, Eurojust, as well as the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), whose creation he witnessed.
“It has been an honour to lead OLAF in its vital mission of protecting European taxpayers’ money and promoting integrity within the EU institutions. I am proud of what we have achieved together – from strengthening OLAF’s investigative capabilities to fostering strong partnerships across Europe and beyond. I extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues and partners for their unwavering dedication and professionalism,” said Ville Itälä.
With the conclusion of Mr Itälä’s mandate, current Deputy Director-General Salla Saastamoinen will assume the role of Acting Director-General of OLAF as of 1 August 2025, ensuring continuity of leadership until the appointment of a new Director-General, the selection process of which is ongoing.
OLAF remains fully committed to its mission to detect, investigate and prevent fraud and other illicit activities affecting the EU budget. The Office will continue its work in close cooperation with national, EU and international partners to safeguard Union’s financial interests.
Background
In line with procedures, the Director-General is appointed via a competitive selection process, followed by public hearings at the European Parliament and a formal appointment by the European Commission. As of the end of July 2025, the selection procedure remains in progress, with candidates being evaluated in accordance with applicable rules.
OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.
OLAF fulfils its mission by:
• carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
• contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
• developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.
In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
• all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
• some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
• suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.
Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.
For further details:
Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335
Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
euantifraud.bsky.social
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