For several hours now, Greek authorities have been conducting a large-scale operation led by the Directorate of Organized Crime to dismantle a sophisticated alcohol smuggling network.
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| Several bottles of alcohol and boxes of smuggled alcohol bottles in a warehouse ready for use |
The investigation revealed that three legitimate Greek companies had established three virtual entities—two in Albania and one in Austria. These fictitious companies were ostensibly set up to receive imported alcohol products. However, the goods never reached their intended destinations. Instead, the alcohol was sold tax-free to businesses within Greece, bypassing customs regulations, Euronews Albania reports.
A Complex Scheme
The scheme involved a supposed Austrian company that requested Greek companies to export alcohol on its behalf to two Albanian entities. However, the trucks transporting the alcohol arrived empty at the Greek-Albanian border. The Greek companies retained the untaxed alcohol and resold it domestically, avoiding the payment of required duties.
This illicit operation allowed the group to generate substantial profits while causing millions of euros in losses for the Greek government. The avoidance of customs duties deprived the state of critical tax revenue.
High-Level Involvement
According to reports, the network included the involvement of a high-ranking official from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in Athens. So far, 12 individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation.
Governor Giorgos Pitsilis of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue has issued an urgent order for disciplinary action through the Directorate of Internal Affairs of the AADE concerning the implicated employee. The accused official allegedly forged documents to facilitate the illegal transport of smuggled alcohol.
Awaiting Official Statements
As the operation and investigations continue, the Greek police are expected to release an official statement detailing the results of their efforts. This case highlights the serious impact of organized smuggling on state finances and the need for heightened oversight to prevent such illicit activities in the future.