EU anti-fraud office coordinates seizure of around 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol
Operation included controls and inspections in all 27 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland.
Coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), a joint action against the illicit alcohol trade has led to the seizure of approximately 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol, worth around €800,000 in potential lost tax revenues.
The operation, codenamed “Ethyl II”, involved national customs and fiscal authorities and Europol from all 27 EU Member States, plus Norway and Switzerland. It was coordinated by OLAF’s Joint Customs Operations (JCO) unit.
Thousands of checks were carried out on commercial consignments, industrial premises and shops. The operation resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit alcohol, including almost 20,000 litres of pure alcohol, 8,000 litres of counterfeit spirits, 8,000 litres of wine and 4,500 litres of beer.
The massive operation, which began in September 2019 and concluded in June 2020, also involved 13 successful controlled deliveries. These are operations where illicit goods are monitored by law enforcement as they are transported to their final destination, allowing the authorities to dismantle entire criminal networks.
In addition, 14 suspects were apprehended during the operation and 22 investigations were opened.
OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä said: “The illicit alcohol trade represents a significant threat to public health. The alcohol is often produced in unregulated conditions, using dangerous or even toxic substances. It is also a major source of lost tax revenue for governments.”
“This latest joint action demonstrates the EU’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit alcohol trade. By working together, we can make it harder for criminals to operate and protect our citizens from dangerous products.”
Operation “Ethyl II” is part of a series of joint actions led by OLAF to combat illicit alcohol trade. The aim is to eradicate the production, movement and sale of illicit alcohol in the EU.
OLAF’s JCO unit supports the operational cooperation between EU Member States in the field of customs enforcement. It is also responsible for the coordination of joint customs operations with third countries and international organizations.
Background
The illicit alcohol trade is a major problem in the EU. It is estimated that up to 20% of the alcohol consumed in the EU is illicit.
Illicit alcohol is often produced in unregulated conditions, using dangerous or even toxic substances. It is also a major source of lost tax revenue for governments.
The EU has a number of measures in place to combat illicit alcohol trade. These include:
- Strict regulations on the production and sale of alcohol
- High taxes on alcohol
- Enforcement of customs and excise laws
- Public awareness campaigns
The EU also works with third countries to combat illicit alcohol trade.
EU anti-fraud office coordinates seizure of around 40,000 litres of illicit alcohol
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