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3d ago

EU Raids Expose €700 Million Fraud Scheme at Piraeus Port

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office uncovered criminal networks falsifying import documents to evade customs duties, leading to coordinated raids across four member states.

A view of the container terminal of the Piraeus port, in Perama suburb of Piraeus, Greece January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki/File Photo
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Overview

  • The Calypso probe, which spans 14 EU countries, targeted Chinese imports routed through Greece’s Piraeus Port in a scheme defrauding the bloc of about €700 million.
  • On June 25, authorities conducted 101 searches in Bulgaria, Greece, France and Spain, arresting 10 suspects, including two customs officers.
  • Law enforcement seized €5.8 million in various currencies, 480 shipping containers awaiting inspection, thousands of e-bikes and e-scooters, 27 vehicles, 11 properties and luxury items.
  • Investigators found that goods were undervalued or misclassified and moved with false invoices and transport documents to conceal real destinations and evade duties.
  • The scheme was largely controlled by Chinese nationals who distributed imports through sham companies, laundered proceeds and repatriated profits to China.