The EPPO sets new standard in cross-border financial investigations
Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies of 14 EU Member States, carried out simultaneous investigative measures, including more than 200 searches, in relation to a complex VAT fraud scheme based on the sale of popular electronic goods. This action took place in Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. Within the framework of this flagship EPPO operation, searches were already conducted in Czechia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden on 12 and 13 October 2022.
All the data collected is being analysed, and the investigation into the organised crime groups behind this scheme is continuing. The estimated damages investigated under Operation Admiral currently amount to €2.2 billion. Measures to recover the damages have been taken, and more details will be communicated once known.
It started small
In April 2021, the Portuguese Tax Authority in Coimbra was looking into a company selling mobile phones, tablets, earphones and other electronic devices, on suspicion of VAT fraud. When the EPPO started operations in June 2021, in line with their legal obligation, the Portuguese authorities reported the case to the EPPO.
Source: europa.eu
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