Italy: One suspect pleads guilty in yacht import customs fraud case, another indicted

(Luxembourg, 26 June 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Venice (Italy) has filed an indictment against a suspect in a case involving the fraudulent import of a yacht from Australia without declaring the ship to customs, in order to evade payment of VAT. Another suspect has entered into a plea agreement, subject to approval by the court.

The case concerns suspected aggravated smuggling, relating to the failure to submit a customs import declaration for a sailing yacht, a multiple winner of international regattas.

Based on the investigation, it appears that the offence has been committed jointly by a skipper based in Trieste, who imported the ship, and the director of an Australian company, the owner of the yacht in question.

The vessel entered Italian territorial waters in 2019 and has since been moored in the port of Trieste or kept in storage in Monfalcone (Trieste). The yacht was not submitted to customs authorities for clearance or completion of the required formalities.

One of the suspects – the director of the Australian company – has plead guilty and entered a plea agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, he will be sentenced to five months and 10 days imprisonment (suspended) and pay a fine of €134 246. 

The other suspect, the boat’s importer, has been indicted. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison, as well as a fine of up to 200% of the evaded taxes.

Earlier in this investigation, on 10 February 2025, the yacht was seized. In December 2025, following payment of the evaded VAT, amounting to approximately €433 000, the ship was released from seizure. 

This investigation counted on the support of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza – Stazione Navale di Trieste and I Gruppo).

All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (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.