(Luxembourg, 3 February 2025) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) is leading an investigation into suspected tax evasion linked to steel imports by a mechanical engineering company in the Rhine-Neckar region. As part of the investigation, the Stuttgart Customs Investigation Office conducted searches at the company’s premises. Simultaneously, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) carried out searches in the United Kingdom.
The German company is believed to have falsely declared the origin of steel products as British during more than 100 customs clearances. According to the investigation, the steel was of Indian origin and had only been routed through the United Kingdom before being imported into Germany. Under EU customs regulations, correctly declaring the steel as Indian would have implied 25% higher import duties. The resulting loss to public finances is estimated at several hundred thousand euros.
The imports in question took place over a 12-month period, starting in March 2021, with the company purchasing steel products worth over €2.9 million.
In December 2024, customs officers from Stuttgart searched the business premises of the German company, while simultaneous searches were conducted in the United Kingdom at the seller’s location. Substantial electronic data was seized and is now being analysed.
The suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent German courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.