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OLAF is celebrating its 10th anniversary
this year. To co-host this Symposium with the ICAC which, in the
eyes of most, is the organisation best symbolising continued success
in fighting corruption and related offences, is an honour and
encouragement for us.
Success is born of integrity, commitment and good legal instruments.
But it also depends on international co-operation and this, for
those of us with limited coercive powers, is no less an important
ingredient in finding success in our work. We need to build partnerships.
Our experience has shown that corrupt individuals, companies and
governments are remarkably adept at exploiting the restraints
we face in passing information between ourselves and operating
across borders.
The economic crisis has exposed many weaknesses in our systems
of financial regulation and ethical practices. Even though many
of these are being addressed there can be little doubt that this
global turmoil creates a climate in which those prepared to operate
in a corrupt manner will be more adventurous and desperate. Shrinking
markets generate more individuals and companies striving to obtain
and maintain market share. This in turn is likely to stimulate
more corruption and more irregular practices. Unless we act collaboratively
and decisively they will get the upper hand. An international
Symposium of this kind is the opportunity to send the message
that we will redouble our efforts to defeat them by working more
closely, more effectively and more quickly.
Mr. Franz-Hermann Brüner
Director General
European Anti-Fraud Office
European Commission
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