Greek authorities have uncovered a large-scale fuel smuggling network that sold approximately €9 million worth of illegal fuel across the country. The operation, revealed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), followed more than a year of detailed investigation.
The sophisticated scheme involved multiple shell companies, mainly in the Aspropyrgos area, which issued fake invoices to mask the illegal sale of fuel. Two other companies in the network created additional invoices, giving the transactions a false appearance of legality.
A legitimate fuel trading company in Thessaly then delivered the fuel to unaware industrial clients in regions including Attica, Thessaly, Ioannina, and Crete. These businesses unknowingly purchased fuel that was part of the smuggling operation.
The illicit activity caused the Greek government to lose €2.7 million in taxes and duties, while the full value of the fuel circulated in the market reached €9 million.
Authorities have referred 14 individuals to prosecutors for their involvement as perpetrators or accomplices. Measures have been taken to freeze their bank accounts, and investigations are ongoing to uncover further illegal activities related to the case.
