German customs found millions of euros in import duties to be paid in arrears after investigations started at the beginning of the year.
When looking for tax evasion, Risikoteam Wirtschaftskriminalität (RISK) (risk team for white-collar crime), which was set up just over a year ago at the main customs office in Hamburg, often noticed imports in which the companies responsible have provided incorrect information without criminal ulterior motives.
In these cases, RISK has been suggesting that the main customs office responsible for the location of the company concerned carry out a review of the relevant processes.
Since the beginning of the year, this has resulted in additional claims for import duties (customs duties, import sales tax and excise duties) amounting to around €11 million ($10.98 million).
Other nationwide tax audits that have been suggested have not yet been fully completed, but additional import duty demands in the mid-seven-digit range can already be forecasted, German customs said.
In addition, the work of RISK uncovered various tax evasions, which led to investigations and criminal proceedings.
