(Luxembourg, 29 July 2024) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne (Germany) has brought charges against two Chinese nationals, for evading anti-dumping duties through a German company on 20 imports of aluminium foil into Germany.
The defendants allegedly declared false goods tariff numbers or a false country of origin (Myanmar instead of China) to avoid paying anti-dumping duties. This fraudulent activity resulted in damage totalling € 474 903.94.
Additionally, one of the defendants is accused of selling aluminium foil directly to German customers through a company in Myanmar, without informing them that the foil was produced in China. As a result, these German customers submitted false customs declarations, causing further damage amounting to € 156 133.36. The same defendant is also suspected of commercial evasion of import duties.
If found guilty, the defendants could face substantial prison sentences and the imposition of additional fines.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.