Customs fraud scheme uncovered at Varna Port

Customs officers from the Varna Customs Territorial Directorate have prevented four consecutive attempts to evade state duties on the import of goods from China. The violations were detected during an inspection of shipments containing pressed wood panels.

The total amount of prevented losses for the state budget is nearly 90,000 euros for the last month.

Case details

  • Goods: Over 125 cubic meters of pressed wood panels.
  • Origin: China, transited through Turkey.
  • Violation: Incorrect declaration of goods with the intent to avoid duties.

Following a risk analysis and physical inspections by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation department, samples were taken for expert analysis at the Central Customs Laboratory. The results confirmed attempts to defraud the state budget of 21,843 euros in the last four cases alone.

Consequences for the offenders

Administrative penalty proceedings are being initiated under the Customs Act. Customs authorities are continuing intensified controls on the import of wood materials from China, after a total of seven such attempts were uncovered within a single month.