Tax authority uncovers €17.9 million tax fraud network
Greek tax authorities have uncovered a large-scale tax fraud network involving individuals and businesses accused of using fake invoices, rapidly shutting down companies and operating through hidden commercial structures.
The investigation was carried out by the Directorate of Economic Investigations (DEOS) of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), which identified an extensive network of interconnected individuals and legal entities.
Companies linked through common structures
According to AADE, investigators analyzed data from tax audits, the myDATA digital platform, business registries, company ownership records and management structures.
The investigation found that the same individuals repeatedly appeared in different companies as managers, partners or representatives. Several businesses were also linked through shared addresses, phone numbers, professional facilities and similar commercial activities.
Most of the companies involved were reportedly active in wholesale clothing, footwear and related products.
Fake transactions worth tens of millions of euros
Authorities said many of the businesses were allegedly used mainly for issuing or receiving high-value fake invoices.
Identified cases include:
* A sole proprietorship with €25 million in fictitious transactions.
* An online store with €15 million in fictitious transactions.
* A sole proprietorship with €25 million in fictitious transactions.
* A retail business with €2.5 million in fictitious transactions.
* A sole proprietorship with €28 million in fictitious transactions.
* An import company with €3.25 million in fictitious transactions.
€17.9 million in lost tax revenue
AADE said the investigation has so far identified €9.6 million in VAT evasion and €8.3 million in income tax losses.
Three individuals have been arrested, including a foreign woman who is allegedly linked to one of the main companies in the network.
Authorities said the woman reportedly declared herself homeless while living in a 280-square-meter luxury villa with a swimming pool in northern Athens.
Investigation continues
The authorities are also investigating the involvement of foreign traders described as missing, who allegedly purchased goods worth more than €40 million.
Procedures have been launched to freeze bank accounts and other assets, while more than 32,000 counterfeit products have been seized.
AADE said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining the full extent of the alleged fraud network.
Source:AMNA
