Thanks Athina, this information is very much appreciated. And it of course raises a few questions, some of which have already been mentioned by others in this thread. I do have a few of my own though.
Currently, abuse complaints come in via abuse@ripe.net. When this is a valid complaint, we investigate the matter, we contact the relevant LIR and we execute an audit on the LIR.
As mentioned by others: what is a 'valid complaint'?
Apart from audits initiated by complaints, we also execute audits of randomly selected LIRs as well as LIRs in whose registration records we notice inconsistencies.
What are these 'inconsistencies' and how do you come to notice these?
Here are some statistics on the number of audits and on the outcomes of those audits: - 2009: 319 audits, all LIRs were in order or complied with auditors' instructions
Just wondering: no audits have been done before 2009? Does RIPE have an 'audit team'? Of how many people? Are they located (and thus bound by law in) the Netherlands?
We acknowledge there is a lack of clarity and transparency on our abuse and complaint procedure. We are in the process of redeveloping this process to improve our services in this area. We will present the revised process during the RIPE 63 Meeting in Vienna.
Great. Sounds like a reason to be there :) Thanks again Athina. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Disclaimer Dit e-mailbericht kan vertrouwelijke informatie bevatten of informatie die is beschermd door een beroepsgeheim. Indien dit bericht niet voor u is bestemd, wijzen wij u erop dat elke vorm van verspreiding, vermenigvuldiging of ander gebruik ervan niet is toegestaan. Indien dit bericht blijkbaar bij vergissing bij u terecht is gekomen, verzoeken wij u ons daarvan direct op de hoogte te stellen via tel.nr 070 315 3500 of e-mail mailto:mail@opta.nl en het bericht te vernietigen. Dit e-mailbericht is uitsluitend gecontroleerd op virussen. OPTA aanvaardt geen enkele aansprakelijkheid voor de feitelijke inhoud en juistheid van dit bericht en er kunnen geen rechten aan worden ontleend. This e-mail message may contain confidential information or information protected by professional privilege. If it is not intended for you, you should be aware that any distribution, copying or other form of use of this message is not permitted. If it has apparently reached you by mistake, we urge you to notify us by phone +31 70 315 3500 or e-mail mailto:mail@opta.nl and destroy the message immediately. This e-mail message has only been checked for viruses. The accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of the information provided cannot be guaranteed. OPTA expressly disclaims any responsibility in relation to the information in this e-mail message. No rights can be derived from this message.