CENTRAL ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU always in the interest of Poland Large-Scale Tax Fraud - News

On May 12 this year, officers from the Regional Office of the CBA in Katowice detained four entrepreneurs in the Silesian Voivodeship. These individuals were involved in providing various services, including construction, renovation, and car maintenance. Among those detained is a man who acted as an intermediary in issuing fake invoices, turning criminal activity into a steady source of income. The entrepreneurs are accused of issuing and using fraudulent VAT invoices between January 2018 and June 2019. Officers secured electronic data carriers. The investigation, supervised by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Sosnowiec, concerns the issuance and use of fictitious VAT invoices that do not document actual business transactions, as well as money laundering.

VAT Fraud

According to the findings of the investigation, the detainees were involved in issuing “empty invoices” worth nearly PLN 7 million, and then provided false information in tax declarations, leading to a VAT shortfall of approximately PLN 1.27 million.

It was also established that the intermediary, seeking financial gain, collaborated with others to engage in actions intended to prevent or significantly hinder the identification of the criminal origin of funds obtained through illegal activities.

Twelve Charges Brought Against the Detainees

The suspects were brought to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Sosnowiec, where they were charged with, among other offenses, issuing and using fraudulent VAT invoices, participating in an organized criminal group, and money laundering, as well as tax-related criminal offenses.

The prosecutor imposed non-custodial preventive measures, including financial sureties, police supervision, travel bans, and orders not to contact certain individuals.

The investigation is ongoing and further procedural steps are planned.

CBA Press Team