Greek tax authority enforcement actions

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) in Greece has initiated several investigations into large-scale tax evasion and smuggling operations.

In late August, authorities used risk analysis algorithms to uncover a footwear smuggling scheme involving a wholesale company. Investigators found that while the company imported over 1.2 million pairs of shoes, it only issued legal invoices for 230,000 pairs. This allegedly allowed for the black market sale of 970,000 pairs, concealing revenues exceeding 2.7 million euros and resulting in over 1 million euros in unpaid taxes. Authorities seized six containers at the Port of Piraeus as part of the enforcement action.

Following this, the AADE expanded its probes to include helicopter companies operating in the Greek islands. In a major investigation dubbed ‘Abnormal Landing’, authorities are targeting unauthorized landings on islands such as Melos and Spetses. The probe focuses on the ownership, management, and tax compliance of companies operating these aircraft.

Investigators have identified tax violations exceeding 300,000 euros. One case involves a Greek-registered helicopter owned by a Cypriot company and leased to a Greek non-profit, where audits revealed discrepancies between commercial use and reported income. Additionally, an Austrian-registered helicopter that landed in the Saronic Gulf is under scrutiny regarding its financial ties to an Attica-based operating entity. Working with the Civil Aviation Authority and requesting administrative assistance from another EU member state, investigators aim to uncover potential VAT evasion and the legality of using these vessels for speculative commercial purposes. Recent findings also indicate that a company involved in pilot training and transport reportedly concealed 25,000 euros in VAT during August.