Title: Five Suspected in Major Tax Fraud Scam Targeting Norway’s Fish Farm Industry

Coordinated Cross-Border Operation Between Norway and Lithuania

In a significant joint operation, Norwegian and Lithuanian authorities have arrested five individuals and searched nine locations as part of an extensive investigation into a tax fraud scheme within Norway’s fish farming industry.

Participating Agencies

• Norway: Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim), Nordland Police District, Finnmark Police District
• Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office, Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service (FCIS/FNTT)

Multimillion-Euro Tax Fraud Scheme

The operation, which involved the European Union’s Eurojust agency, was initiated in response to concerns about labor-related crimes in Norway’s northern fishing sector.

Red Flags Raised

• Ten Lithuanian companies and one Norwegian company identified as suspects
• Estimated NOK 8 million (EUR 800,000) in tax damages

Collaborative Effort

The Norwegian authorities requested Eurojust’s assistance in July 2021, leading to the establishment of a joint investigation team (JIT) and cross-border judicial cooperation.

JIT and Cross-Border Cooperation

• Four coordination meetings held
• Multiple mutual legal assistance requests executed

Arrests and Interrogations

The culmination of this transnational effort took place on 13 December 2022.

Joint Raids in Norway and Lithuania

• Arrested suspects charged with extensive tax fraud or complicity
• Fifteen individuals interrogated at searched locations

Ongoing Investigation

This operation marks a significant step forward in addressing labor-related crimes within the Norwegian fishing industry. The investigation remains ongoing.