Norway Tax Administration uncovers 2 billion NOK in fraudulent deductions

The Norwegian Tax Administration has identified over two billion NOK in incorrect deductions, representing approximately 500 million NOK in tax value. Crime Chief Erik Nilsen described the investigation as one of the agency’s most serious control cases in many years, citing evidence of extensive and organized crime.

The investigation involves questioning the tax assessments of approximately 400 individuals nationwide, most of whom have Somali backgrounds. The agency has warned of demands for repayment with interest, additional taxes of up to 60 percent, and police reports. Currently, five cases have been reported against facilitators and twelve against individual taxpayers.

In Bergen, a man of Somali origin has been remanded in custody on charges of aggravated tax fraud. He is accused of providing tax benefits exceeding three million NOK to 13 people, who allegedly transferred 400,000 NOK to his account. The man was apprehended at Flesland Airport while attempting to travel to Turkey on a one-way ticket. His defense counsel stated that he does not admit guilt and claims he was himself deceived.