2024-08-03 13:51:22
In the first half of 2024, tax investigators from the Anti-Fraud Office recovered 17.7 million euros in taxes. This is data from the Treasury Department. The investigation mainly affects companies in the telecommunications, real estate and construction industries, as well as red-light districts. A total of 83 cases were concluded, with tax evaders facing penalties of up to twice the amount of tax evaded.
The Sales Tax Anti-Fraud Competence Center (USt-BBCC) conducted a risk analysis on 135 cases. One case of cross-border VAT fraud that came to light involved a network that traded mobile phones and cut costs by not paying VAT. In 2023, at least 28 packages containing cash were sent from Eastern Austria to the main defendant, with a total loss of more than 50 million euros.
In real estate, investigators uncovered illegal invoices and kickbacks. The construction company was established for the sale of converted apartments and was liquidated following the sale. Invoices from fictitious companies amounted to more than 6 million euros. One suspect was found to have transferred more than €1.2 million and withdrew €461,000 in cash.
Tax evasion also occurs in the construction industry. A company is suspected of generating “illegal income” through non-invoice payments and incomplete accounting, resulting in losses of nearly 3.5 million euros.
Tax investigators conducted eight home searches, opened seven accounts and conducted 109 interviews. After receiving the suspicious report, the red light district police initiated inspection and investigation steps. Evidence was seized indicating unreported prostitution and room rentals.
Finance Minister Magnus Brenner (ÖVP) stressed the importance of investigative work to secure public funds. From January 2024 to June 2024, a total of 56 house searches and 78 account openings were conducted, and more than 50TB of IT data was protected.
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