Civitavecchia – The Fake Flag operation has successfully tackled tax evasion involving foreign flags on yachts owned by Italian citizens, addressing a significant economic issue.
A growing phenomenon: the rise of foreign flags
Over the past three years, yachts replacing the Italian flag with a foreign one have surged by 256% compared to the previous period. Specialized reports reveal that this practice has led to an estimated loss of 200 million euros in unpaid VAT for Italy.
The role of Civitavecchia’s Guardia di Finanza
The Aeronaval Guardia di Finanza in Civitavecchia has been at the forefront of combating this phenomenon. Through meticulous monitoring of ports, marinas, and regular patrolling of Lazio’s coastal waters, they gathered and analyzed critical data. This effort identified numerous cases of undeclared yacht ownership.
The operation’s results
The Fake Flag operation uncovered 33 undeclared yachts, with a total value of approximately 2 million euros. Their Italian owners, who had opted for foreign flags, were fined a total of 530,000 euros.
Additionally, four non-EU-flagged yachts were seized for exceeding the residency limit in EU waters without paying customs duties. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Civitavecchia Customs Agency under a national agreement.
Commitment to legality
As emphasized by the Operational Aeronaval Unit Commander, the numerous inspections carried out by Guardia di Finanza vessels aim to combat tax evasion, ensure fair practices in the recreational boating sector, and suppress illicit maritime trafficking.
