27/03/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 27 March, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced the arrest of 18 suspects in Madrid as part of an investigation into VAT fraud estimated at €32.8 million linked to the importation of alcohol. According to the EPPO, the criminal network, which was active between 2019 and 2025, was based on a system of shell companies located in Belgium, Portugal and Spain, and on the use of false invoices to avoid paying the tax. The scheme also involved “defaulting traders”, who were responsible for paying the VAT before disappearing. Searches were carried out in 12 locations, including Barcelona, Tarragona and Valencia, and led to the seizure of bank accounts, property and €430,000 in cash. The damage is estimated to be equivalent for the Spanish State and the EU budget. The suspects are presumed innocent. (NP)