Construction Site Focus Uncovered Cases of Tax Fraud

In June, the financial police identified 128 partially serious cases of tax and social fraud during a nationwide focused operation on construction sites. A total of more than 390 companies were inspected at 139 locations, as reported by the Office for Fraud Prevention (ABB). 235 financial police officers inspected 1,235 employees on the construction sites.

Leaps from Roofs

According to the ABB, the operations sometimes led to spectacular scenes: Suspects attempted to flee by jumping from roofs and climbing over fences. All detected violations resulted in charges. Approximately 170,000 euros in tax arrears were immediately collected.

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) emphasized the importance of the inspections: "Especially on construction sites, it is not only about tax fairness but also about protecting workers' rights and workplace safety. Those who are illegally employed or underpaid are often not properly insured. At the same time, such fraud distorts competition to the detriment of honest businesses." Labor Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) added: "These results also show: The fight against wage and social dumping is far from over." Such fraud models are systematically designed and cause enormous damage.

Illegally Employed Discovered

The financial police also discovered 15 illegally employed individuals without work permits and four who were working on construction sites despite being unemployed. A total of 44 charges for illegal work were filed, eight cases of underpayment, and 36 reporting violations related to wage and social dumping were identified. Seven other charges concerned violations of trade regulations.

(APA/Red)

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