Gorizia authorities uncover major tax evasion and labor exploitation in vineyards

The Guardia di Finanza in Gorizia has uncovered a major tax evasion scheme involving labor exploitation within the viticulture sector. The investigation revealed that a company, formally registered in Romania but managed and directed in the Gorizia province, employed 107 Romanian workers under irregular conditions.

Financial audits covering the period from 2019 to 2023 identified over one million euros in undeclared income, more than 200,000 euros in evaded VAT, and approximately 80,000 euros in unpaid withholdings. In some instances, workers were reportedly paid less than 3 euros net per hour.

The probe is an extension of Operation “Caravelle,” which began in 2023 to combat “caporalato” (illegal labor brokerage) in the countryside between the provinces of Gorizia and Udine. The company utilized its Romanian registration to invoice local wineries for labor services without applying VAT, a tactic known as “esterovestizione.” The company's administrator has been reported to the Gorizia Prosecutor's Office, and the firm has been referred to the Labor Inspectorate for sanctions regarding the employment of irregular workers.