Czech police take part in EU-wide VAT fraud investigation

Police in Czechia joined a major European operation targeting VAT fraud, with 32 arrests made in the Baltic states. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) estimates that this branch of the case alone caused €297 million in losses.

The fraud, focused on unpaid VAT from electronics sales, is linked to organised crime, including the Italian mafia. Czech authorities confirmed conducting searches as part of the investigation but reported no arrests.

The case is part of the largest VAT fraud scheme ever uncovered in the EU, with total losses estimated at €2.9 billion (CZK 73.3 billion).