E-commerce behemoth Amazon is currently under scrutiny in Italy as authorities delve into a significant probe concerning alleged customs and tax fraud linked to Chinese imports. The investigation intensified following recent raids on two Amazon facilities, prompting suspicions that the online retail giant may have functioned as a 'Trojan horse,' facilitating the entry of Chinese products into Italy without proper payment of sales taxes or customs duties.
Multi-Million Euro Scheme and EU Implications
According to court documents obtained by Reuters and insights from direct sources, prosecutors believe this intricate scheme could have deprived the Italian state of hundreds of millions of euros. Worryingly, the illicit operation might not be confined to Italy alone, with potential implications stretching across the entire European Union. This widespread impact underscores the severity and potential scale of the alleged infractions.
Key Locations Targeted in Police Operations
On Monday, dozens of officers from Italy's financial police, the Guardia di Finanza, alongside customs agency personnel, executed operations at two crucial Amazon sites. In Cividate al Piano, a logistics hub situated in the northern province of Bergamo, approximately 5,000 products were seized. Concurrently, at Amazon's Italian headquarters located in central Milan, police confiscated IT equipment and identified the manager responsible for the movement of goods within Italy, indicating a focus on operational procedures and accountability.
Amazon's Stance Amidst the Investigation
When approached for comment regarding the raids, Amazon declined to provide specific details. However, the company issued a general statement reaffirming its commitment to regulatory compliance. "Amazon is committed to complying with all applicable tax laws and we cooperate fully with all relevant authorities," the statement read, maintaining its official position amidst the ongoing legal challenge.
