VAT Fraud in the Millions: Raids Conducted in Vienna

In the course of the so-called "Operation Escape Room," eight arrests were made at 39 locations in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Latvia, and Austria, the Ministry of Finance announced on Thursday. The case involves fraud amounting to millions.

The announcement does not specify when the raids in Vienna, supported by WEGA, took place. The newspaper "Die Presse" reports on Europe-wide actions between October 15 and 27. According to the newspaper, investigations are being conducted against five suspects in this country. According to the ministry, there was "a house search and three seizure or confiscation measures" in Vienna.

Tax Fraud Amounting to Millions: Raids in Vienna

The "allegedly Europe-wide" operating network attempted to evade taxes with "shell companies in various countries, forged documents, and fictitious invoices," according to the ministry. This involves the "delivery of millions of items from the electronics and mobile phone sectors." In Austria, two companies are said to have acted as intermediaries (so-called "Conduit Companies") to obscure actual goods and money flows.

According to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, 47 million euros in taxes were not paid in Belgium, and "allegedly 14.5 million euros" in the Netherlands. The money laundering suspicion involves an estimated damage of almost 80 million euros.

"Fighting tax fraud is a matter of justice," commented Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) on the operation. "Operation 'Escape Room' vividly demonstrates how crucial international cooperation is in this field as well."

(APA/Red)

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