#2019-963Ordinance No. 2019-963 of September 18, 2019 on Combating Fraud Affecting the Financial Interests of the European Union through Criminal Law
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This French law expands the jurisdiction of French criminal law to prosecute fraud affecting European Union financial interests, committed by French nationals or residents. The regulation includes stricter penalties for various offenses, especially when committed by organized groups, with impacts on compliance for economic activities related to the EU.
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Key Changes
- French criminal law now applies to EU financial fraud offenses committed by French citizens or residents abroad.
- Increased penalties for fraud impacting EU finances, especially in organized crime scenarios.
- Harmonizes French legal provisions with EU Directive 2017/1371 on protecting the EU's financial interests.
Obligations
What this law requires
French criminal law applies to fraud affecting EU financial interests committed abroad by French nationals or persons habitually residing in France or conducting economic activity in France
Prosecute fraud offenses (fraud, breach of trust, embezzlement, corruption, smuggling, money laundering) affecting EU budget revenues, expenses, or assets without requiring double criminality conditions
Apply penalties of 5 years imprisonment for breach of trust affecting EU budget interests; 7 years imprisonment and €750,000 fine when committed by organized groups
Apply fines of €2,000,000 or double the proceeds of the offense (whichever is greater) for embezzlement affecting EU budget interests when committed by organized groups
Apply penalties of 5 years imprisonment and fines between 1-2 times the value of fraudulent goods for intentional customs fraud, false declarations, use of false documents, or non-communication of documents affecting EU financial interests