The European Public Prosecutor’s Office based in Paris, France, has initiated an investigation into a complex customs fraud concerning the importation of eyewear from China into several EU member states. This investigation, which unfolded with coordinated searches across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands on 25 and 26 June, involved 90 law enforcement agents across 17 locations. Authorities have questioned 25 individuals as either witnesses or suspects in connection with the case.
The focus of the investigation is on a suspected scheme to fraudulently undervalue imported eyeglasses manufactured in China. These eyeglasses, primarily corrective lenses produced through low-cost manufacturing processes, were allegedly sold online to consumers within the EU. The fraud was allegedly facilitated by the presence of showrooms in multiple EU countries and a dedicated website allowing direct online sales to European customers.
It is alleged that the fraudulent activity involved significantly underreporting the value of the imported eyewear to evade customs duties and taxes. This practice may have enabled the eyeglasses to be sold at prices lower than their market value, thereby distorting competition within the EU market.
Supporting the EPPO in these operations were various national law enforcement agencies, including France’s National Anti-Fraud Office ONAF, Belgium’s Federal Police CDGEFID/OCDEFO, Belgium’s General Administration of Customs and Excise AAD&A/AGD&A, and the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service FIOD.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal activities and assess the financial impact on the EU budget and affected member states. All individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The EPPO, established as the independent public prosecution office of the European Union, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes that undermine the financial interests of the EU. This ongoing investigation underscores its commitment to ensuring fair trade practices and protecting the integrity of the EU’s financial operations.
