Süddeutsche Zeitung2 hours agoCrime1 min readGermany

European raid against suspected smartphone fraud gang

Investigators are searching 160 properties in 19 countries for fraud and tax evasion using counterfeit smartphones.

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Since Tuesday morning, investigators in 19 countries have been searching 160 properties because of a suspected gang of fraudsters.
She is said to have sold hundreds of thousands of counterfeit smartphones and evaded millions in sales tax.

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Why It Matters

Investigations by Süddeutscher Zeitung, NDR and WDR into a suspected company network.

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Since Tuesday morning, investigators across Europe have been taking action against a suspected gang of fraudsters who are said to have sold hundreds of thousands of counterfeit smartphones and evaded millions of euros in sales tax.

According to findings from the Süddeutscher Zeitung, NDR and WDR, customs, tax investigators and the police have been searching 160 objects in 19 countries since early morning, with a focus on Germany.

Several suspected backers of a widespread, suspected fraudulent company network were arrested at the weekend on allegations of gang tax evasion and the establishment of a criminal organization.

Open Questions

Which companies are involved in the network?
How high is the exact tax loss?