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(Luxembourg, 6 March 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne (Germany) has brought charges against five members of an organised crime group, suspected of a large-scale VAT fraud scheme concerning the international trade of more than 10 000 cars. This is the first indictment in the investigation, code-named ‘Huracán’, transmitted to the Regional Court in Düsseldorf.
The five were arrested on 14 June 2023 during an intervention involving more than 450 searches in seven countries (Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain). Two of the five suspects currently remain in detention. Four of the five suspects have already admitted to most of the offences. You can read more about their criminal scheme in our previous press release.
It is estimated that more than 10 000 cars were sold using their fraudulent scheme and in total, more than 60 people are suspected of participating in the organised group or supporting the main suspects, who have now been indicted. Between 2017 and June 2023, they managed to generate a total fraudulent turnover of more than €190 million and created VAT losses of €53.7 million.
Around 90 of the 130 cars that were confiscated in June 2023 have already been sold, with a view to recovering the financial damage. Other seized goods include real estate and €2 million in cash.
If convicted, they each risk sentences of several years of imprisonment.
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.