EPPO Uncovers EUR 25M VAT Fraud with Latin American Connections, Freezes Global Assets

• EPPO conducted an investigation into a EUR 25 million VAT fraud with ties to Latin America.
• The investigation led to the seizure of bank accounts in the Dominican Republic and Peru.
• Authorities from Uruguay provided vital information to assist the investigation.
• In 2023, EPPO’s Madrid office conducted 13 searches, arresting 24 people.
• The fraud involved a criminal group exploiting EU cross-border transaction rules.
• Seized items included documents, electronic devices, IT equipment, high-value items, vehicles, and EUR 135,000 in cash.
• Bank accounts in Spain, Belgium, Lithuania, and Romania were frozen, along with real estate in Spain.
• Six bank accounts in the Dominican Republic and four in Peru were frozen.
• The investigation’s success was linked to the EL PACCTO 2.0 cooperation program and agreements with Latin American countries.
• The case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime.

Source: vatabout.com

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.