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The Oficina Antifraude receives over 2,000 complaints and aims to speed up investigations
The OAC received 2,059 complaints in 2025 and has already reached 1,702 this year. Its director wants to accelerate investigations through internal changes and a cooperation agreement with the Mossos d’Esquadra.
The organisation expects to close 2026 with up to 2,400 reports and is working to strengthen collaboration with the Mossos d’Esquadra.
The investigation into the funds of the former DGAIA could have been completed if the Oficina Antifraude de Cataluña had had a closer relationship with the Mossos d’Esquadra. This was explained by its director, Tomàs Salàs, who summed up the problem in one sentence: “When we have to go out into the field, it’s difficult for us.”
Police collaboration is one of the avenues the OAC is exploring to speed up investigations, which are reaching record numbers. Among the ongoing cases is also the appointment of the daughter of the mayor of Ripoll, Sílvia Orriols, as interim police officer for the municipality.
More than 2,000 reports in a year
In 2025, the office received 2,059 reports. This figure contrasts with the annual average of 349 recorded during its first 15 years of existence and has led Salàs to speak of a record and the consolidation of the institution, which is dependent on the Parliament.
The organisation expects to close 2026 with between 2,300 and 2,400 reports. So far this year, it has already received 1,702.
What happens with the cases
The 2025 report indicates that 55% of cases are closed without further action. Another 34% are referred to the institutions competent in the matter under investigation. Salàs highlighted that 11% result in investigative actions.
Among the outcomes of this last group are 26 closures. The OAC also sent 20 reasoned reports with recommendations to public entities. There were six communications to competent authorities and another six to the Ministerio Fiscal.
The number of reports referred to the Fiscalía for investigation proceedings already matches that figure so far in 2026. In addition, last year began with 232 cases pending from previous years and 207 were closed.
Internal changes and protection of whistleblowers
With the new management taking office in January, Antifraude is preparing a mandate plan and wants to amend the instruction that regulates its investigations. Salàs described the current procedure as “very rigorous” and “burdensome”: the aim is to reduce the administrative load and devote more time to investigation.
The office is also seeking agreements with organisations it works with, such as the Autoridad Catalana de Competencia and the Inspección de Trabajo. It is negotiating an agreement with the Mossos d’Esquadra to speed up investigations. Salàs presented this to the Comisión de Asuntos Institucionales del Parlament.
The protection of whistleblowers was also the focus of questions from MPs, while a Catalan law on the matter is still pending. The OAC’s protection unit recognised 32 people out of a hundred. This year, 62 have requested protection and 28 have been considered.
Salàs defended the work of the unit with concrete results: one of its reports prevented a dismissal and two others stopped disciplinary proceedings from being opened.