Laura Kovesi: Press Conference on Operation Calypso at Customs

European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi is holding a press conference today regarding the pan-European investigation "Calypso" into customs fraud.

The investigation concerns the operation of a ring that imported goods from China into the EU, evading duties and VAT through falsified documents and shell companies.

The losses for the EU are estimated at 700 million euros, of which 250 million are in duties and 450 million in VAT. Operation "Calypso" was conducted in 14 countries, including Greece, with raids on customs brokers and accountants.

In September, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) charged 6 people with importing illegal Chinese products. 2,435 containers were seized in Piraeus, the largest seizure in EU history.

The fraud, which lasted at least 8 years, caused losses of 350 million euros in duties and 450 million euros in VAT. 4.78 million euros in cash, 5.4 million euros in bank accounts, real estate and 2,400 containers worth 250 million euros were seized in Greece.

Kovesi told the Financial Times that 2.7 million euros in cash were found in a customs broker's office and 300,000 euros in his home, implying corruption of public officials.