Tax Cobra uncovers extensive tax evasion in taxi services sector, damage exceeds 300 million crowns
Detectives working with customs officers and the tax authority dismantled two organised groups that operated taxi services through digital platforms whilst systematically evading tax obligations. VAT damage reached hundreds of millions of crowns.
Tax Cobra uncovers extensive tax evasion in taxi services sector, damage exceeds 300 million crowns
Detectives from the National Organised Crime Agency, customs officers from the General Directorate of Customs, and employees of the tax authority conducted an extensive operation in recent days as part of a joint team known as the Tax Cobra. The aim was to dismantle two organised groups that operated taxi services and contracted passenger transport through digital transport platforms.
The investigation revealed that the suspects built an extensive network of commercial companies between 2022 and 2026. Their primary objective was deliberately reducing tax obligations and obtaining unfair advantage over competitors. The structure consisted of dozens of interconnected companies, which they established and among which they transferred vehicles and financial resources, and deliberately changed bank accounts for receiving payments for transport services.
According to the investigators' findings, the suspects used front persons in executive positions. One group operating from 2023 onwards caused damage of 70 million crowns. The second, active since 2022, caused damage exceeding 230 million crowns. Total damage to value-added tax thus reaches hundreds of millions of crowns.
During the operation, officers conducted house searches and secured electronic data, accounting documentation, more than six million crowns in cash, eight million on bank accounts, and several personal cars. A total of ten people were charged, including eight foreigners and two Czech nationals. Seven of them are being held in custody. If convicted, they face prison sentences of up to thirteen years.
The case is overseen by the Prague High State Prosecutor's Office. Europol participated partially in the investigation. The information was released by the Czech Police.
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)