Professional Privileges in Financial Investigations: A European and Comparative Study on Administrative and Criminal Enforcement – »PRIVILEGED«

The PRIVILEGED research project aims to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth study on the impact of confidentiality and professional privileges (PPs) in financial crime investigations. To fully understand the impact of PPs on financial crime investigations, the project will cover administrative investigations carried out by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as criminal investigations in selected Member States (MSs). By developing a comprehensive analysis of the substantive and procedural impact of PPs on the effectiveness of anti-fraud proceedings carried out by OLAF, this project seeks to identify areas where a common understanding of PPs can be established, thus promoting more effective and efficient investigations in financial crimes. It will aim at bridging the gap in legal doctrine and practice by identifying shortcomings and proposing a Directive for the harmonization of the discipline of PPs.