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Tax fraud in online sales of photographic equipment

The Italian Financial Police uncovered a €24.5 million evasion scheme

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A sophisticated tax evasion system

The Italian Financial Police in Ancona uncovered a complex tax fraud scheme involving online sales of photographic equipment. The investigation, carried out by the Economic and Financial Police Unit, revealed a mechanism orchestrated by a businessman from Ravenna. By creating fictitious companies in Italy and abroad, the suspect managed to evade over €24.5 million in four years, including €13.5 million in direct taxes, €8 million in IRAP, and €3 million in VAT.

Asian suppliers and shell companies

The scheme relied on sourcing photographic equipment from Asia via companies based in Luxembourg, all linked to the same individual. These goods were then sold, on paper only, to a network of businesses located in regions such as Apulia, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche. These companies, managed by nominees, systematically failed to file tax declarations and were operational for short periods before being replaced.

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By avoiding tax payments, the suspect introduced products to the Italian market at highly competitive prices. This allowed for an unlawful advantage, severely impacting the competitiveness of law-abiding companies. The photographic equipment was sold below cost to wholesalers and directly to end customers through a website advertised on major search engines.

Assets worth €6.5 million seized

Based on evidence gathered, the Ravenna Court issued a preventive seizure order worth €6.5 million, including real estate, financial assets, and company shares formally held by intermediaries but effectively controlled by the main suspect.

The Financial Police’s commitment

This operation highlights the Italian Financial Police’s dedication to tackling severe forms of tax evasion. Such practices undermine the country’s economic balance and provide unfair competitive advantages to those operating illegally. It is important to note that, under the presumption of innocence principle, the suspects’ guilt will only be confirmed through a final court ruling.

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