Financial Police Launches Wide-Ranging Operations to Combat Tax Evasion and Financial Crimes

Austria’s Financial Police Cracks Down on Illegal Activities Across the Country

In a major effort to detect and prevent illegal activities, Austria’s Financial Police has launched a series of large-scale operations across the country. The initiative aims to combat tax evasion and financial crimes in various sectors, including employment, social security, and gambling.

Focus Areas for Investigations

The Financial Police has identified several key areas of focus for its investigations, including:

Illegal Employment of Foreign Nationals: Detecting and preventing illegal employment practices involving foreign nationals.
Underpayment of Wages and Social Benefits: Investigating cases of underpaid wages and social benefits to ensure fair compensation for workers.
Non-Compliance with Reporting Obligations: Monitoring compliance with reporting obligations under the Austrian Anti-Wage and Social Dumping Act (Lohn- und Sozialdumpingbekämpfungsgesetz, LSD-BG).
Violations of Insurance and Reporting Regulations: Investigating violations of insurance and reporting regulations under the Austrian General Social Security Act (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz, ASVG).
Non-Compliance with Reporting Requirements: Ensuring compliance with reporting requirements under the Austrian Unemployment Insurance Act (Arbeitslosenversicherungsgesetz, AlVG).
Illegal Trade Practices: Detecting and preventing illegal trade practices under the Austrian Trade Regulation (Gewerbeordnung, GewO).
Social Fraud: Investigating cases of social fraud under the Penal Code of Austria (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB).

Investigation Tactics

To carry out these investigations, the Financial Police has deployed its special units to key locations across the country. These units are equipped with advanced technology and surveillance equipment to detect and apprehend suspects.

In addition to regular monitoring activities, including mobile retentions and public transport checks, the Financial Police is conducting targeted visits to suspected offenders at their workplaces or residences.

Call for Cooperation

“We urge all individuals and businesses to cooperate fully with our investigations and to report any suspicious activity to us immediately,” said a spokesperson for the Financial Police. “We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to combat tax evasion and financial crimes.”

Broader Effort Against Tax Evasion and Financial Crimes

The Financial Police’s operations are part of a broader effort by Austrian authorities to combat tax evasion and financial crimes. In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase in such activities, which have resulted in substantial losses for the government and other parties.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect Austria’s economic interests and to ensure that all individuals and businesses comply with our laws and regulations,” said a senior official at the Austrian Ministry of Finance. “We urge all citizens to report any suspicious activity to us immediately, and we will take swift action against those who violate our laws.”