Italy: Over €53 million seized in EPPO investigation into vast VAT fraud scheme

(Luxembourg, 30 October 2023) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Milan (Italy) is leading an investigation into a vast VAT fraud scheme, with estimated damage of at least €53 million. One person has been arrested and more than 10 are under investigation, with several searches executed in Italy (Milan, Novara, Genoa, Rome and Palermo) and in Switzerland.

According to the evidence, the scheme is in the area of VoIP (Voice over Intranet Protocol) – a technology that allows users to make voice calls via the intranet – involving companies in Czechia, Germany, Italy, Romania, Switzerland and the UK. The main beneficiary is understood to be a large company in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, with a core business of trading in the gas sector.

The estimated damage, at this point in the investigation, is €53 898 816.69, and this has been fully seized from the account of the large company alleged to be the main beneficiary. Seizures have also been made, during the searches, of cash and luxury watches. 

The investigation was opened following a report by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), and carried out by the Guardia di Finanza (the Italian Financial Police).

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.