When dealing with the question of the sharing of information by OLAF, such a reflection must necessarily address the status of OLAF, not only taken individually but also in the more general context of the array of (present and future) European institutions. From its position in the European legal order, as a supranational body responsible for "the fight against fraud, corruption and any other illegal activity adversely affecting the Community’s financial interests,"OLAF is empowered to request the assistance of the competent national administrative authorities of the Member States operating in the same area, which are under an obligation to provide such assistance.

Today, crime pays! This is a familiar statement. Assets of criminals remain sheltered and their value is significant at both European and international levels. The capacity for criminals to enjoy the fruits of their criminal endeavours has the following three immediate economic consequences. First, crime does pay. Second, criminal activities will continue to perpetuate, as criminals are able to invest in the future by having the means to corrupt others and inspire those keen to emulate their well-rewarded achievements. Third, as criminals seek to launder the fruits of their activities and reinvest in the regular economy, they create market distortions, for they are unfair competitors not having borne the initial costs of doing business.