Netherlands: EPPO seizes assets in investigation into VAT carousel fraud involving consumer electronics

(Luxembourg, 14 November 2023) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) today conducted searches in the Netherlands and seized assets, in an investigation into a suspected VAT carousel fraud involving consumer electronics.

The searches took place in Zoetermeer, Reeuwijk and Berkel en Rodenrijs, at the suspects’ homes and at a company office. Real estate, bank accounts and a boat were seized, as well as four cars, including a Porsche Carrera.

On the radar of the EPPO are three individuals, suspected of playing a key role in a cross-border VAT fraud, mainly involving the trade of IT products and consumer electronics. They are understood to have supplied goods to companies primarily established within the EU, in a complex fraudulent chain that included missing traders – shell companies established for the sole purpose of evading the payment of VAT. The estimated damage amounts to millions of euros in tax losses.

The investigation is ongoing, in order to ascertain the extent of the suspected criminal activities.

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.