EPPO busts gang for €300 million fuel VAT fraud

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 26 - A coordinated sting operation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Naples, Bologna, and Rome (Italy) today dismantled a criminal gang accused of importing fuel into the Italian market while systematically evading VAT, according to an EPPO statement. The investigation, code-named 'Fuel family', resulted in judicial action against eight people, including the suspected ringleaders. A freezing order of approximately €300 million was also issued against 59 suspects and 13 companies believed to be involved in the fraudulent activity.
    According to the investigation, the fuel was imported from suppliers in Croatia and Slovenia, among other countries, via a network of more than 40 missing traders in Italy who vanished without fulfilling their tax obligations. (ANSA).