§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Solicitor-General what mechanism she has for co-operating with the EU authorities in prosecuting fraud cases involving EU funds. [135229]
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§ The Solicitor-GeneralMember states may request mutual legal assistance in gathering evidence by invoking the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance 1959. The UK prosecuting authorities can similarly seek assistance from other member states.
The United Kingdom Central Authority (UKCA) at the Home Office receives incoming requests for assistance. The Metropolitan Police, the Serious Fraud Office and Customs and Excise would gather evidence in England and Wales in response to an incoming request.
The European Community institutions established the European Anti Fraud Office (Office Europeen de lutte antifraude—OLAF) in 1999 as a successor to the Task Force for the co-ordination of fraud prevention (UCLAF). It is an independent body, but remains part of the European Commission. This is the principle authority with responsibility for investigating fraud involving EU funds.