Title: Italian E-Cigarette Distributor Accused of Tax Evasion
According to sigmagazine, an Italian e-cigarette industry media, a distributor of e-cigarettes in Biella, Italy is facing accusations of evading taxes amounting to 3.4 million euros. The regulatory authorities have already seized 1.2 million euros from the accused individual.
The primary business of the dealer revolves around e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Investigations have revealed that the dealer evades taxes in Italy by establishing company structures in other European countries, creating an illusion of purchasing and selling products abroad. However, these transactions actually take place within Italy through online sales and physical stores in Biella, Cossato, Santhià (Samo), and Ivrea (Turin).
Investigators have observed a unique method employed by the dealer to conceal sales proceeds. Customers were asked to provide prepaid cards under the dealer’s name. Whenever a customer wanted to make a purchase, they would simply place an order and top up the prepaid cards owned by the dealer. The funds would then be extracted by the dealer, who would subsequently deliver the ordered products. This practice resulted in a hidden taxable base of over €4 million, causing a substantial evasion of €3.4 million in value-added tax and consumption tax.
Italian law enforcement agencies have been diligently combating illegal activities associated with e-cigarettes and tobacco. It is crucial to acknowledge that the lawless frontier of the past is gradually fading away and should not make a comeback. However, there are still unlawful behaviors that need to be exposed and addressed. This operation serves as a strong testament to the efforts being made to combat such issues.
