EU seizes record €250m in Greek customs fraud probe

European authorities have intercepted more than 2,400 shipping containers at Greece’s port of Piraeus in the European Union’s largest-ever container seizure, valued at around €250 million ($294m).

The operation, part of Investigation Calypso, targets organised networks accused of importing goods from China while evading customs duties and VAT.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) said the containers, mainly carrying e-bikes, textiles, and footwear, were often misdeclared or undervalued. In some cases, only 10-15% of the actual contents were reported. Preliminary estimates put losses to the EU budget from e-bikes alone at €37.5 million ($44.1m).

Six individuals, including two customs officers, have been charged in Athens over their alleged involvement. Four suspects have been detained since June, while one customs broker was arrested last Friday. Earlier raids across four countries in June led to 10 further arrests.

European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi said the operation demonstrates the EU’s determination to clamp down on criminal networks.

“The rules of the game have changed. No more safe havens,” she said.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for at least eight years, is supported by Greece’s Hellenic Police and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), which helped identify irregular trade patterns and potential money-laundering activities. Authorities said compliance has improved since the June raids, with importers now declaring goods at closer-to-market values.

The EPPO confirmed that further inspections and evidence gathering are ongoing as the EU continues efforts to safeguard financial interests and strengthen cross-border cooperation against organised economic crime.

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