Fraud from e-commerce stores was detected by the auditors of the Business Directorate of S.D.O.E.. Attica. The SDOE intensifying the controls during the lockdown period in e-shops and utilizing information, carried out audits of companies active in the purchase and sale of mobile phones, game consoles, tablets and laptops and especially in the trade of goods and services carried out remotely by electronic means.
In these cases, money laundering was found to be money laundering, using virtual invoices, and consequently the undercutting in sales.
Checked in 3 legal entities that sold goods through online stores (e-shops), as well as to the companies that supplied the above stores.
From the investigation of the Service it is concluded that the above business circuit (carousel) operated methodically and over time, by establishing legal entities with managers or legal representatives, natural or foreign natural persons that are extremely difficult to identify and have the characteristics of "Missing trader".
The purpose of the above circuit was to make sales through online stores, and the taxes that had to be offset, and, in essence, not to be attributed, with the trick of getting fake invoices for non-existent suppliers.
In addition, by their actions, the controlled companies brought distortion and conditions of unfair competition against other legitimate companies in the field of marketing and distribution of mobile phones and other electronic devices., as it was observed that the controlled companies were able to sell the goods at an extremely low price (below cost).
The action of the above companies resulted in a loss to the Greek State of an amount greater than 8.500.000 euros only from non-refund of VAT. for years 2018 and 2019, while it is estimated that the total damage to the Greek State amounts to more than 15.000.000 euro.
The investigation continues, on the participation of other companies that received invoices from non-existent companies that issued fictitious invoices.
The Business Directorate of S.D.O.E.. Attica will inform the Services of A.A.D.E.. for the imputation of the evaded taxes. The participation of three local persons as persons undercover of the action of the above companies is investigated, more than the managers-representatives of the controlled companies.
The research extends to the action of legal and natural persons in other Member States, in order to collect data capable of dismantling the network.
A relevant case file will be submitted to the Athens Prosecutor's Office.
The Business Directorate of S.D.O.E.. Attica calls on consumers to be especially careful in choosing companies that operate through the Internet in the sale of products and, in each case, to request the necessary tax information.
Source:Newsbeast.gr
