The French customs authorities, under the direction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), conducted several searches in France on 15 November 2022, in an ongoing investigation into a suspected organised criminal group alleged to have imported fashion items from a non-EU country, substantially undervaluing the fair value of the goods in order to evade customs duties and VAT.
The goods were imported into the EU mainly through France and Belgium.
According to the investigation, the operation was run from offices and warehouses in France. Since 2018, at least two companies, based in the Paris area, are suspected to have defrauded customs duties for a total amount of €681 195, and import VAT for a total of €136 239. The total damages are estimated, at this stage, at €817 434.
After further investigation of accounting documents, financial flows and inheritance of the individuals and companies, the French customs authorities seized two luxury cars – including a Porsche – and around €40 000 in cash, as well as high-end items, luxury jewellery and high-value watches.
The alleged fraud was initially detected and reported to the EPPO by the French National Directorate for Customs Investigations and Intelligence (DNRED), which is in charge of the case under the direction of the EPPO.
The investigation of this case continues, and the suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
About the EPPO
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. These include several types of fraud, including customs fraud, VAT fraud with damages above €10 million, and money laundering.
The EPPO cooperates with national competent authorities and law enforcement. The National Directorate for Customs Investigations and Intelligence (DNRED) belongs to the French General Directorate for Customs and Excise and fights against large international smuggling networks, including organisations defrauding the EU’s financial interests.
Source: eppo.europa.eu
