- OLAF and Polish authorities uncovered a VAT fraud scheme involving goods from China.
- The investigation led to the arrest of four individuals and searches at 50 locations.
- The scheme exploited customs procedure 42 for deferred VAT payments.
- Goods were transported from China to Germany, then back to Poland, avoiding VAT.
- The operation involved transport companies, logistics providers, and shell companies.
- Fraudsters falsely documented exports to other EU countries while goods stayed in Poland.
- The group was organized with shell companies under Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and Russian names.
- Polish authorities conducted an enforcement operation on 8 April 2025.
- Authorities seized electronic devices, documentation, and company stamps.
- Detainees were charged with organized crime, money laundering, and document falsification.
- The court ordered their temporary detention for three months.
- OLAF emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating fraud.
Source: anti-fraud.ec.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.
