10/04/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday, 10 April, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced a major operation conducted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic as part of ‘Podlimit’, an investigation into customs and VAT fraud regarding imports of Chinese goods. Nine Czech companies are suspected of having abused customs procedure 42 to avoid paying VAT by redirecting goods to undeclared destinations. Between 2017 and 2018, falsified administrative documents allegedly enabled textiles, footwear, and e-commerce goods to be imported through several European ports. The authorities have also mentioned that the goods were undervalued. The loss from customs duties is estimated to be €24.1 million, and that from unpaid VAT, more than €113.3 million. (NP)