Фото: CAS и CBSP
Poland’s National Revenue Administration and the Central Bureau of Police Investigation have dismantled an organised criminal group involved in online sales of electric scooters without paying VAT.
More than 57,000 personal mobility devices worth 156 million zlotys (about $40 million) were seized during searches. The unpaid taxes are estimated at 162 million zlotys (about $41 million).
The operation was carried out in October in the Masovian Voivodeship. Searches were conducted at five warehouses, as well as at the offices and homes of suspects. In addition to scooters, officers seized computers, phones, data storage devices, a photovoltaic installation, batteries and other items. More than 5 million zlotys in funds held in bank accounts were frozen. Six passenger cars and two trucks were also seized. At one suspect’s property, 700,000 zlotys and 300,000 zlotys in cash were found in the attic and freezer, respectively.
Sixteen people were detained during the operation, including a Belarusian citizen, nine Polish citizens and six Chinese citizens. They have been charged with participation in an organised criminal group, money laundering and tax offences.
A court remanded eight suspects in custody, while the others were released. They are either under police supervision or have been released on bail.
The role of the Belarusian citizen in the case has not been disclosed. It has also not been reported what preventive measure, if any, was imposed on him.
Polish investigators have not ruled out further arrests.