The Pest central county court has charged eight people with money laundering of over 210 million forints (EUR 510,000) committed in a criminal gang, in a case that had also been investigated by the European anti-fraud office OLAF, the chief prosecutor’s office said on Friday.
According to the charges, two criminal gangs operated in 2019-2020 and their activities were connected to the sale of Chinese products in Europe. One of them was involved in submitting 5-10-times lower customs values for products than the real value in order to reduce the costs of customs clearance, the statement said.
In an effort to maximise profits, the Chinese products were distributed throughout the EU with the help of fictitious companies in order to avoid paying VAT.
The other criminal gang led by a 37 year-old Chinese man organised the transfer of cash income from Spain through France, Italy, Slovenia and Budapest to Turkey where the money was deposited in Chinese bank accounts.
Money transporters travelled by car to Budapest and then flew to Istanbul. An investigating team was set up by the authorities of Italy, Slovenia, France and Hungary, with the participation of Eurojust. OLAF and Europol also got involved in the work.
Charges have been raised against 3 Hungarian and 5 Chinese men for money laundering and the production and use of counterfeit documents.
Featured image: illustration
Read alsoSuspicious package found at Budapest Airport – authority acted swiftly
Source: MTI
please make a donation here
Hot news
Top Hungary news: train derailed, huge tax against short-term rentals, new train stations, Hungarians about the war, Dracula, cocktail bars — 21 October, 2024
Hungarian research could yield breakthrough in Covid-19 treatment
5+1 stylish cocktail bars in Budapest to explore with your friends after a long day
Railway stations in major Hungarian cities to be completely rebuilt with private capital
Young people planning armed attacks against protected persons in Hungary – US intelligence warns
Hungary, Laos agriculture ties strengthening: Minister Linkham Duangsavanh visits Budapest
1 Comment
Why still in Budapest, Hungary – cash only businesses – that are Chinese run and operated ?
Invites bit of the “laundering” activity.