KAS carried out another major operation targeting tax crime. Officers of the Customs and Tax Service searched businesses operating in the transport and timber-processing sectors across three provinces.
According to investigators’ findings, unreliable VAT invoices documenting services that had not actually been performed were used in tax settlements. The total value of the fictitious invoices was approximately PLN 1.3 million.
Searches in three provinces
Procedural activities were carried out in the provinces of Greater Poland, Lesser Poland and Masovia. The operation was conducted by officers of the Lower Silesian Customs and Tax Office in Wrocław under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Lower Silesian Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption in Wrocław.
During the searches, the following items were secured:
- PLN 1.2 million in cash,
- documentation concerning the companies’ activities,
- data storage devices,
- mobile phones,
- laptops.
The secured material will undergo detailed analysis and serve as evidence in the proceedings.
Investigators examine the fraud mechanism
The proceedings concern the use of fictitious VAT invoices in tax settlements. Investigators’ findings indicate that the documents were intended to confirm the performance of services that had not actually been provided.
Such activities may lead to the unjustified reduction of tax liabilities and VAT fraud. The investigation is intended to determine the scale of the practice and the roles of the individual persons involved.
Suspects face up to 8 years in prison
As reported by the National Revenue Administration, the individuals covered by the proceedings may be held responsible for participation in an organized criminal group, tax fraud, invoice forgery and money laundering.
The alleged offenses carry a sentence of up to 8 years’ imprisonment. The investigation is ongoing, and officers have not ruled out further procedural activities.