The anti-fraud policy for managing ERDF funds is based on the Guidelines for the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020, particularly the “European Community Guide for the 2014-2020 programming period on fraud risk assessment and effective and proportionate anti-fraud measures (EGESIF_14-0021-00 of 16/06/2014),” which the Intermediate Management Body has adopted as a fundamental reference for its work in this area.

The implementation and development of Benidorm Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI Benidorm) entails the implementation of a series of rigorous fraud control measures, required by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulations themselves, to which the Benidorm City Council is firmly committed.

Specifically, the European Commission, pursuant to Article 125(4)(c) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, establishes that the Managing Authorities responsible for ERDF funds must implement effective and proportionate measures against fraud, taking into account any identified risks.

The anti-fraud measures implemented by Benidorm City Council, which incorporate self-assessment of fraud risks as a means of detecting potential cases, adhere to the aforementioned European Commission guidelines. The Commission recommends that managing authorities “adopt a proactive, structured, and targeted approach to managing fraud risk.”

Benidorm City Council wishes to convey its commitment to addressing and combating fraud through the following measures:

-  Adherence to the Declaración Institucional contra el fraude prepared by the European Commission.

- Development of an anti-fraud culture and commitment to a Code of Ethics (as established by the Basic Statute of Public Employees Act)

- Assignment of Responsibilities in the Fight Against Fraud (Anti-Fraud Committee)

- Reporting on the mechanisms for suspected cases of fraud (Whistleblowing Channel)

- Encouraging collaboration among different parties

For this reason, an anonymous reporting channel has been established for any irregularities or suspected cases of fraud that may be detected. Irregularities will be reported to the Management Unit and the Anti-Fraud Committee established within the Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (DUSI) Entity. Once the DUSI Entity receives a complaint, the Management Unit, together with the City Council's legal services, will issue a report on its content and forward it to the Intermediate Body within 15 days, along with any irregularities, suspicions of fraud, and cases that could damage the reputation of the cohesion policy.

Therefore, if you suspect any fraudulent activity related to the implementation of the Benidorm Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (EDUSI Benidorm), please submit the corresponding complaint through one of the following channels:

• EDUSI BENIDORM Reporting Channel, through an email message to the following address: dpd@benidorm.org
• Phone: 629.902.237
• Formulario Antifraude (Infofraude) de la Dirección General de Fondos Europeos
• European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)

Benidorm City Council will deploy the necessary personnel and financial resources to guarantee the effectiveness of this complaints portal, committing to investigate any complaint received.