Italian police find large oil trading tax evasion scam run by Mafia

The Italian authorities seized 140 million euros ($ 164 million) as part of a large -scale survey on an oil trade in the oil trade tax led by the Calabrian mafia, Guardia Di Finanza announced on Thursday.

Confiscations took place in Italy and Germany. Five companies are suspected of participating in a fraud network managed by the Ndrangheta, which has its base in southern Italy but works internationally.

The “Andrea Doria” operation coordinated by Calabrian Anti-Mafia prosecutors has revealed a sophisticated oil negotiation fraud regime, in which fake trade companies have enabled companies to escape value added and consumption taxes.

Fraudulent statements allowing tax franchise purchases have been used among others.

The criminal organization would have directed the entire petroleum marketing chain to the final distribution in the street. Local screens and real estate agents were involved.

The Italian authorities have confiscated 80 properties across Italy and 28 companies, including three based in Germany. The companies participated in the exchange of oil, transport and rental of goods.

More than 80 vehicles, several luxury watches and around 1 million euros in cash were seized.