Greek Tax Authority Deploys ‘Digital Borders’ System to Combat Smuggling

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is deploying satellites, cameras and digital detectors at borders, ports and customs checkpoints as part of a new plan to combat smuggling in fuel, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and undeclared or counterfeit goods.

The initiative targets one of the most serious threats to public revenues, according to the article, by giving customs authorities real-time monitoring of professional vehicles and containers moving through the country’s main entry and exit points.

By decision of AADE Governor Giorgos Pitsilis, a new Monitoring System for Professional Vehicles and Containers will be installed at 24 customs offices and critical customs control points across Greece.

Real-time checks at borders and ports

The system will cover major border stations, including Kakavia, Krystallopigi, Evzoni, Niki, Doirani, Kipi, Kastanies, Promachonas and Nymfaia — points with heavy movement of goods and professional vehicles.

It will also be expanded to the country’s largest ports, where freight activity is high, including Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Patras, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Lavrio, Mytilene, Chios, Kos and Heraklion.

Special provision has also been made for equipment to be installed in free zones and port facilities, including the Piraeus Port Authority Free Zone, SEP S.A. in Piraeus, and the free zones of Thessaloniki and Heraklion.

How the system will work

The new system will combine license plate recognition cameras, electronic Global Positioning System (GPS) seals, weighing systems, control barriers and communication networks, all connected to a single digital platform.

Data will be transmitted in real time through mobile phone networks or satellite connections.

This will allow customs authorities to monitor each cargo shipment live and compare the route declared in advance with its actual movement.

If the system detects a deviation, unjustified delay or suspicious stop, it will automatically send alerts to control centers, allowing authorities to intervene immediately.

Data access will be handled by AADE’s General Directorate of Customs and Excise Duties, which will be responsible for managing and using the information to strengthen customs compliance and fight illegal product trafficking.