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Our mandate

What we do.

The EPPO investigates and prosecutes crimes affecting the financial interests of the European Union, as defined in the PIF Directive. We conduct cross-border investigations as a single office in 22 Member States.

VAT fraud

Serious cross-border VAT fraud involving damage of at least €10 million to the Union budget, including missing-trader and carousel fraud.

Misuse of EU funds

Fraud, misappropriation and irregularities in the spending and revenue-collection of the Union budget, including agricultural and structural funds.

Corruption & money laundering

Active and passive corruption of Union officials, as well as money laundering of proceeds derived from offences within the EPPO's competence.

Related offences

Criminal offences inextricably linked to conduct that harms the financial interests of the Union, where they cannot be effectively addressed separately.

Procedure

How an investigation works.

  1. 01
    Report or referral

    A report reaches the EPPO from national authorities, EU institutions or the public. The competent European Delegated Prosecutor is assigned.

  2. 02
    Investigation

    The European Delegated Prosecutor conducts the investigation, applying national procedural law under the supervision of the Permanent Chamber.

  3. 03
    Decision

    The Permanent Chamber decides whether to bring the case to judgment, dismiss it, or apply an alternative to prosecution.

  4. 04
    Judgment

    Cases are brought before the competent national courts. The EPPO exercises the functions of the prosecutor in the courts of the Member States.