- EPPO is targeting an international criminal network for a €15 million fraud involving engine oil
- Investigation named “Greasy Hands” led by EPPO in Turin, Italy
- Criminal organization imported vehicle lubricants to Italian market, evading VAT
- Searches and judicial measures executed by Italian Financial Police in various locations
- 14 individuals, including suspected ringleaders, facing judicial measures
- Over 470 tonnes of lubricating oil seized during searches
- Criminal association operated in Italy, Belgium, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia
- Used multiple strategies to evade VAT and excise duties
- Suspected of counterfeiting motor oil brands and laundering illicit profits
- Estimated loss of €14 million in unpaid VAT and over €1 million in excise duties
- All persons presumed innocent until proven guilty in Italian courts
- EPPO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the financial interests of the EU
Source: eppo.europa.eu
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.
