Document: Signature in Rome of a co-operation protocol between the Italian National Anti-Mafia Directorate (DNA) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

On 17 February 2000, Mr. Pierluigi Vigna, the National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor in Italy, and Mr. Per Brix Knudsen, Director of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), signed in Rome at the National Anti-Mafia Directorate a cooperation protocol between these two bodies.

This protocol establishes, in the light of Article 280 of the Treaty on European Union, regular cooperation between the DNA and OLAF aimed at more effective action against illegal activities which take place in economic and financial areas. This action will be centred principally for the DNA on the prevention and suppression of organized crime in all its forms, including those where it harms the European Communities' financial interests, and for OLAF on combating frauds and other irregularities harmful to the general budget of the European Communities, including where they are the work of organized networks.