AADE works with OLAF to uncover import fraud at Piraeus Customs

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) collaborated with OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, to locate the imports to Europe of e-bikes from China that used fake paperwork or underpricing to avoid proper customs duties and VAT taxes, the tax service said on Thursday.
AADE was informed by OLAF on March 3 that Bulgarian importers brought the e-bikes to Europe through the Port of Piraeus. With the coordinated efforts of the European Prosecutor's office and Greek customs authorities, on June 26 AADE provided all customs information to uncover the fraud and allow the arrest of the perpetrators, adding that "it continues the investigation for implicated persons and specific containers, identifying lost customs and taxes."
The case opened in July 2024 by OLAF through an information bulletin alerting all EU member states of the Europe-wide fraud. The inspections in Greece focused on customs clearance agents, transportation companies, and shipping transporters responsible for imports from China to Piraeus, and from there to various EU states.