Nine arrests for €25 million VAT fraud at Pizza Fan chain
The Financial Police arrested nine people, including the owner of Pizza Fan, for VAT tax evasion of at least €25 million.
Hidden room with cash and illegal software at centre of Pizza Fan case
Nine arrests were made this morning by the Financial Police Subdivision as part of an investigation into alleged VAT fraud worth at least €25 million, in which the Pizza Fan pizza chain is implicated. According to reporting by Yiannis Soulioti on skai.gr, those arrested include the owner of the chain and eight company employees, mainly accountants.
The accused allegedly installed specialised software in the central order registration system. Through this, they displayed to the tax office a turnover smaller than the actual one, thereby concealing the corresponding VAT. Their activities are estimated to have begun in 2022.
During a search of the owner's home, police officers discovered a hidden room behind a piece of furniture. Inside it, more than €500,000 in cash were found, along with jewellery of significant value and vehicles, which were seized.
The nine arrested individuals make up the core group of the operation; however, the investigation is not limited to them. Police are extending their investigation to employees of approximately 20 branches that were under the owner's direct supervision.
In parallel, according to the same reporting, the owners of the remaining 80 franchise outlets of the chain are expected to face legal proceedings. According to the Hellenic Police, the operation of the illegal software was known to all — however, the charge does not concern participation in a criminal organisation for all of these individuals.
Source: Ta Nea