The European Public Prosecutor’s Office filed two indictments in Antwerp against companies accused of evading customs duties on imported electric bicycles from China. The companies allegedly presented incorrect customs declarations to evade anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The e-bikes were imported in separate parts to avoid paying anti-dumping duties on fully assembled e-bikes. The estimated damage to the EU’s financial interests is at least €3.5 million and €3.1 million for each instance. If found guilty, the defendants face prison time and fines. The EPPO was alerted to the case by Belgium’s General Administration of Customs and Excise and the European Anti-Fraud Office. The EPPO investigates and prosecutes crimes against the EU’s financial interests.
Source EPPO
