Large-Scale Tax Evasion Uncovered in Austria

Two alleged perpetrators are believed to have enticed hundreds of people into tax evasion by selling supposedly charitable associations from the cultural and craft spectrum. Since many of the buyers are part of conspiracy movements, it is not ruled out that they made the purchase consciously, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance to the APA.

Tax Evasion Uncovered: House Searches in Several States

After extensive investigations, the tax investigation struck at the beginning of November with seven simultaneous house searches in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, and Upper Austria. The main suspects are a 40-year-old and a 51-year-old. According to the ministry, they are suspected of having established "a lucrative source of income" since 2019 through the founding and subsequent sale of hundreds of associations. Prior to the association sales, so-called training sessions are said to have been conducted, which were supposed to teach the buyers how they could evade taxes with the help of the acquired associations. "The income from the association sales and the training sessions were not properly declared or were declared as 'tax-free' in various associations," the ministry said.

In addition, 100,000 euros in cash and numerous luxury segment watches were seized during the house searches, as well as muscle-building drugs of Chinese origin discovered. These were handed over to customs for further investigations. "The recent success of the tax investigation once again shows that we are vigilant and determined against tax fraud. Such criminal machinations harm our society and disadvantage all honest taxpayers. It remains our top priority to ensure the rule of law and financial fairness for all," said Finance Minister Gunter Mayr.

(APA/Red)

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