EPPO Detains Nine Suspects in €6.6 Million China-Poland Customs Fraud
EPPO Cracks Down on €6.6 Million Customs Fraud at Polish Border
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Katowice recently dismantled an organized criminal group suspected of massive customs fraud involving Chinese imports. Last week, authorities detained nine individuals following an investigation into a scheme that bypassed millions in taxes at the Polish-Belarusian border.
Investigators reveal that the group exploited the Małaszewicze rail terminal, a major entry point for Asian goods into Europe. The suspects allegedly used a fraudulent “transit procedure” to avoid paying Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duties. They claimed that containers arriving from China were merely passing through Poland on their way to Belgium. In reality, the goods never left Polish soil and were instead moved to local warehouses.
To execute the scam, the group reportedly used shell companies and forged transport documents to simulate international delivery. This deception allowed them to claim exemptions reserved for goods destined for other EU member states. Officials estimate the scheme caused at least €6.6 million in losses to the public budget.
The operation involved extensive searches of homes and businesses, resulting in the seizure of 25 lorries and approximately €29,500 in cash. While four suspects remain in pre-trial detention, the other five were released on bail with strict travel restrictions. This crackdown followed a report from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and received support from the Polish Police and regional tax authorities.