Financial Police Crack Down on Tax Dodgers and Customs Violators
In a bid to root out tax evasion and customs fraud, Austria’s Financial Police have been granted extensive powers to monitor and investigate suspicious activities.
Monitoring and Investigation Powers
The authorities have access to vast databases, including:
- Parking space management records
- Internal control material
- Data from other authorities
The Financial Police conduct regular monitoring activities, including:
- Large-scale operations that divert traffic away from main roads and motorways
- Establishment of checkpoints at critical traffic points
- Use of specially equipped vehicles with flashing blue lights to detect suspicious vehicles in real-time
Securing Tax Claims and Collecting Debt
The Financial Police are responsible for:
- Securing tax claims
- Collecting tax arrears
- Executing confiscation orders
- Identifying customers for attachment, garnishment, and seizure in cases of debt collection
- Conducting collection activities and attaching debtors’ liens
Regulatory Tasks
In addition to combating financial crimes, the Financial Police are tasked with:
- Detecting illegal employment of foreign nationals
- Controlling companies and business premises for compliance with labor market and residence laws
- Checking for violations of the Austrian Anti-Wage and Social Dumping Act
- Investigating underpayment of wages and social security contributions
- Detecting fraudulent reporting and registration practices
- Investigating cases of gambling-related fraud, including illegal gambling machines and sham secondments
Assignments and Judicial Missions
The Financial Police can be tasked by:
- Tax authorities to carry out general supervisory measures, such as controls and inspections
- Criminal prosecution authorities to conduct investigations on suspicion of:
- Withholding employee social security contributions
- Fraudulent withholding of social security contributions
- Organized illicit work
Conclusion
The Financial Police’s extensive powers and expertise enable them to effectively combat tax evasion and customs fraud, while also promoting fair competition and protecting vulnerable workers.