Published on
(Luxembourg, 31 October 2024) – Following a large-scale VAT fraud investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne (Germany), code-named ´Huracán´, five individuals were convicted yesterday (30 October) by the Regional Court in Düsseldorf for organised VAT fraud, and aiding and abetting tax fraud. Their criminal activities, which involved trading cars, are estimated to have caused damage of more than €53 million.
In March this year the indictment against the five main suspects has been transmitted to the Regional Court in Düsseldorf (Germany), accusing them of a multimillion VAT fraud scheme concerning the international trade of more than 10 000 cars, generating a total fraudulent turnover of more than €190 million and creating VAT losses of €53.7 million.
The court pronounced the judgment within less than six months of the filing of the indictment, as the defendants have admitted to most of the offences and a plea agreement could be reached.
The court considered two of the five defendants as central figures of the criminal organisation, and convicted them of VAT fraud. One of them was sentenced to six years and two months, the other one to five years and six months of imprisonment, and the continuation of pre-trial detention has been ordered. Another two have received prison sentences of five years and two months, and three years and nine months for participating in the criminal organisation and VAT fraud. An additional member of the criminal organisation has received a prison sentence of one year and nine months for aiding and abetting tax fraud.
The court ordered in its sentence a confiscation in the value of €43.5 million against the defendants. Moreover, all confiscated cars, 130 in total, have been sold for €3 million.
This is the first conviction in the Huracán investigation.
The defendants have one week to lodge an appeal; otherwise, the decision will become final.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.