Amazon sites in Italy raided in China smuggling probe: Reuters
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The news: Italian police carried out searches and seizures at two Amazon sites in Italy on Monday as part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of Chinese goods, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The numbers: Officers from the Guardia di Finanza tax police and the customs agency reportedly seized around 5,000 products at a logistics hub operated by Amazon in Cividate al Piano, in the northern province of Bergamo. Toys, mobile phone covers, air fryers, pens and small scissors were among the products seized.
The context: Police also seized IT equipment and identified the Amazon manager responsible for the transportation of goods within Italy. Prosecutors allege that Amazon acts as a ‘Trojan Horse’ to allow Chinese goods to circulate in the country without paying the necessary taxes.
The move is a new line of inquiry originating from an investigation into an alleged EUR1.2 billion ($2.14 billion) tax evasion scheme brought by Italian authorities earlier in the year. The investigation alleges smuggling offences by dozens of Italian companies and against the manager in charge of the movement of goods through Amazon.
Goods are allegedly brought from China to the EU, then into Italy without paying sales taxes or customs duties. They are then moved and sold within Italy via Amazon.
The source: Reuters
