Massive €71 million VAT fraud scheme dismantled by the European Public Prosecutor's Office

Large-scale operation against VAT fraud in Greece

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has uncovered a complex VAT fraud network that operated through companies in Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and Greece. The investigation covers the period 2021-2025 and focuses on the trade of small electronics.

The damages to the EU and Greek budgets amount to over 71 million euros, of which 46.9 million euros are proven direct losses.

How did the scheme work?

• Use of "missing traders" to avoid VAT on intra-community transactions.
• Unlawful reimbursement of tax that was never paid.
• Use of complex digital tools to conceal transactions.

Results of the operation

During the searches in Attica and Kastoria, the following were confiscated:

• 99,000 euros in cash and 3 luxury vehicles;
• Cryptocurrencies worth 900,000 euros;
• Digital assets worth 4.5 million euros;
• 88 real estate properties with a total value of over 4.5 million euros were seized.

This is the largest seizure of digital assets ever carried out by Greek authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.