EPPO Conducts Cross-Border VAT Fraud Investigation Resulting in €85 Million Losses

• EPPO conducted an investigation into an €85 million VAT fraud
• 59 searches and other investigative measures were carried out in eight countries
• Criminal groups involved in the international trade of consumer electronics are suspected of evading tax through a VAT carousel fraud
• The suspects established companies in Germany and other EU Member States, as well as non-EU countries, to trade goods through a fraudulent chain of missing traders
• Other companies in the chain would claim VAT reimbursements from national tax authorities
• The investigation, named ‘Goliath’, involved Europol, German tax agencies, and national police forces from several countries
• One alleged ringleader was arrested on 22 November.

Source: etaf.tax

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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