Financial Police Crack Down on Customs Duty Evasion

Combating Customs Duty Evasion in Austria

The Financial Police have launched a series of operations across Austria to combat customs duty evasion. With access to extensive databases and monitoring activities, the authorities are determined to identify and prosecute those who attempt to dodge their tax obligations.

Databases Provide Valuable Insights

• The Financial Police’s databases include information from various sources:
  • Parking space management in conurbations
  • Internal control materials
  • Data from general importers
  • Notifications
  • Own official perceptions
• This vast amount of data allows the authorities to identify potential cases of customs duty evasion and target their efforts accordingly.

Monitoring Activities Underway

• Regular monitoring activities are being conducted, including:
  • Large-scale operations on main roads and motorways
  • Checkpoints at neuralgic traffic points
  • Utilization of emergency vehicles with flashing blue lights to detect suspicious vehicles

Investigations and Enforcement

• The Financial Police are not only focused on detecting customs duty evasion but also on:
  • Securing tax claims
  • Collecting tax arrears
  • Executing financial penalties
• Investigations include cases of:
  • Illegal employment of foreign nationals
  • Violations of the Austrian Anti-Wage and Social Dumping Act
  • Social fraud under the Penal Code of Austria

Regulatory Tasks

• The Financial Police are responsible for regulatory tasks, including:
  • Detection of illegal trade practices
  • Control of companies and business premises
  • Enforcement of labour market regulations
  • Monitoring compliance with:
    • Austrian Act on Secondment of Workers
    • Austrian Gambling Act

Assignments and Judicial Missions

• The Financial Police can be assigned by the tax authorities or the Criminal Matters Division of the AFO to carry out:
  • General supervisory measures, such as controls and inspections
  • Investigations on suspicion of:
    • Customs duty evasion
    • Fraudulent withholding of social security contributions
    • Organised illicit work

In a bid to combat customs duty evasion and protect Austria’s tax revenue, the Financial Police are working tirelessly to detect and prosecute those who attempt to dodge their obligations. With their extensive databases, monitoring activities, and regulatory tasks, they are well-equipped to tackle this complex issue.