News

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Frankfurt (Germany) and Milan (Italy) has dealt a major setback to networks operating cross-border VAT fraud schemes linked to the sales of thousands of second-hand luxury cars, causing estimated losses of €100 million.

In an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), multiple searches are being carried out today at the Sibiu International Airport and the Sibiu County Council, in a probe into suspected fraud related to a €54 million EU-funded project for the modernisation of the airport. 

Last week, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest (Romania) referred a criminal case to the Bucharest Tribunal, indicting three individuals – including one of the alleged ringleaders – for a €100 million fraud involving EU and national funds. The suspect, an Italian citizen, was detained on 5 February 2025, and is believed to have led a criminal group engaged in systematic fraud involving EU funds.

The Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem (Czechia) has convicted the director of a care facility for people with disabilities of subsidy fraud, related to financial support intended for the centre’s service users, following an indictment filed by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Liberec. 

Following an indictment issued by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in České Budějovice (Czechia) in July 2024, the former mayor of the municipality of Abertamy, a representative of a construction company and a construction supervisor were convicted by the regional court of Pilsen this week (24 June). They defrauded around €420 000 in EU funds for the reconstruction of a museum.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Munich (Germany) is leading an investigation into a suspected €10 million cross-border VAT carousel fraud scheme. Three additional suspects were arrested this week in Lisbon (Portugal).

A coordinated raid by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Athens (Greece), Madrid (Spain), Paris (France) and Sofia (Bulgaria) has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks flooding the EU market with goods fraudulently imported from China, while evading custom duties and VAT. The criminal scheme, which involved the massive importation of textile, shoes, e-scoters, e-bikes and other goods, is believed to have caused an estimated damage of approximately €700 million. 

At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Milan and Palermo (Italy), the Italian State Police (Central Operational Service, SISCO and Police Office of Palermo), together with the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) of Varese have executed eleven arrest warrants issued by the judge of preliminary investigation of Milan.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Berlin (Germany) has arrested two suspects, and seized evidence and assets today in an investigation against a criminal organisation suspected of defrauding €66 million in unpaid VAT and of evading over €137 million in excise duties.