OIG Signs Arrangement with European Anti-Fraud Office
10 March 2014
Brussels - The Inspector General, Martin O’Malley signed an Administrative Cooperation Arrangement with the Director-General of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Giovanni Kessler on 10 March 2014 in Brussels. OLAF investigates fraud against the EU budget, corruption and serious misconduct within the European institutions and develops anti-fraud policy for the European Commission. Since 2002, the European Commission and European Union member states have been some of the biggest donors to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The signature of the cooperation arrangement marks an important step to strengthen the joint efforts of OLAF and the Global Fund to effectively fight fraud and corruption. Combatting illegal activities affecting the financial interests of the EU and of the Global Fund represents a common interest to both institutions. Building on existing relations, this new cooperation arrangement sets out the framework for the future working relationship between OLAF and the OIG in order to efficiently coordinate their anti-fraud activities within the scope of their respective mandates. Concretely, the arrangement foresees enhanced cooperation, an exchange of information, operational assistance, as well as trainings and staff exchanges.
This new partnership follows similar agreements signed between the OIG and counterparts such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the UK Department for International Development (DfID) and the World Bank as well as national law enforcement bodies. Through a combination of partnerships with international organizations with global reach and national agencies on the ground, the OIG is able to intensify and amplify its action against wrongdoing across the world.
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The Office of the Inspector General works to ensure that the Global Fund invests the world’s money in the most effective way possible in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Through audits, investigations, oversight and consultancy work, it makes objective and transparent recommendations to promote good practice, reduce risk and condemn abuse.
Established in 2005, the Office of the Inspector General is an independent yet integral part of the Global Fund. It is accountable to the Board through its Audit and Ethics Committee and serves the interests of all Global Fund stakeholders. Its work conforms to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators.
The Office of the Inspector General believes that every dollar counts and has zero tolerance for fraud, corruption and waste. Through its whistle-blowing channels, the Office of the Inspector General encourages all to come forward to point out any irregularities that prevent Global Fund resources from reaching those who need them.