European Public Prosecutor's Office

Nine Suspects Detained in Customs Fraud Linked to Chinese Imports

EPPO in Katowice detained nine suspects as part of an investigation into an organised criminal group conducting customs fraud on Chinese imports through the Polish-Belarusian border. The suspects allegedly used fraudulent T1 customs transit procedures and shell companies to avoid paying €6.6 million in customs duties and import VAT. Four suspects were placed in pre-trial detention for three months; five were released on conditional bail. Searches of company premises and residences yielded evidence, with 25 lorries and €29,500 in cash seized.

Romania EPPO Indicts Company for €114k EU Research Project Fraud

EPPO in Cluj-Napoca, Romania has filed an indictment at Iași Court against a company and its administrator for suspected fraud involving €114,000 in EU-funded research project funding. The investigation found that between 2018 and 2024 the defendants submitted false and misleading documents to obtain EU funding, including fabricated supplier offers and simulated software license purchases. Confirmed financial damage of €114,000 (RON 570,894.95) was repaid in December 2022. The defendants face up to seven years imprisonment if found guilty.

Three Car Traders Charged in Nimmersatt Smuggling Scheme

EPPO Berlin has filed an indictment at the Regional Court in Berlin against three car traders for participating in a criminal organisation that smuggled salvage vehicles from the US into the EU, resold them after cosmetic repairs, and evaded customs duties and VAT. The defendants are accused of aiding and abetting VAT fraud causing estimated damage of €15 million. If found guilty, defendants face up to 15 years in prison.