WRITTEN QUESTION P-0568/02

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(22 February 2002)

Subject: Fraud in respect of dairy-product exports to Andorra

At the end of last year the EU's anti-fraud office (OLAF) carried out an investigation in cooperation with the Spanish authorities in order to ascertain whether or not any fraud had been committed in respect of certain dairy-product exports to third countries (specifically Andorra), and whether or not refunds had been paid to Community companies.

Would the Commission say what stage has been reached in the investigation and whether or not Spanish or Andorran companies are involved in the alleged fraud?

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(25 March 2002)

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was informed in March 2000 by the competent Belgian authorities of problems involving butter marketed in Andorra exported by a Spanish firm which had collected the accompanying export refunds.

In effect the product sold was margarine fraudulently presented as butter.

OLAF notified the Spanish authorities, which started an investigation in order to determine the scale of the fraud and to take appropriate action against the persons involved.

According to the information in OLAF's possession, legal proceedings are under way in Spain and nine people have been charged.

The necessary measures to protect the Communities' financial interests have been set in train by the Spanish authorities.