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EPPO Indicts Two in €100 Million VAT Fraud Scheme

EPPO Indicts Two in €100 Million VAT Fraud Scheme

First seen 30 Sep 2026, 19:28 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •September 30, 2026 at 20:30 UTC
  • •Two Polish nationals indicted for €100 million VAT fraud.
  • •Scheme involved multiple countries and hundreds of shell companies.
  • •Defendants face significant prison time if convicted.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has indicted two Polish nationals for their involvement in a cross-border VAT fraud and money laundering scheme linked to electronic device trading. This indictment marks the first in the 'Operation Escape Room' investigation, which spans multiple countries including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Poland. The accused allegedly utilized hundreds of shell companies and fictitious invoices to evade VAT and claim illegal reimbursements, resulting in over €100 million in fraudulent invoices. The scheme reportedly caused €47 million in unpaid VAT in Belgium and €22 million in the Netherlands. If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from seven and a half to 25 years. The investigation has led to multiple arrests across Europe, with ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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Timeline

2025-10-01
First arrest in Poland
One of the accused was arrested during coordinated investigative measures in Poland.
www.eppo.europa.eu
2026-03-01
Second defendant arrested in Czechia
The second accused was arrested in Czechia and later surrendered to Polish authorities.
www.eppo.europa.eu
2026-09-29
Indictment filed
The EPPO filed an indictment against the two Polish nationals at the Circuit Court in Katowice.
www.eppo.europa.eu

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Common questions

What is the total amount involved in the fraud?
The scheme involved over €100 million in fraudulent invoices.
What are the potential penalties for the defendants?
If convicted, the defendants could face prison sentences ranging from seven and a half to 25 years.
How many countries are involved in this investigation?
The investigation spans Austria, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Poland.