Investigation Money Cat: EPPO conducts searches and arrests in probe into suspected €60 million VAT fraud scheme
European Public Prosecutor's Office
(Luxembourg, 16 September 2026) – The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Cologne (Germany) conducted searches and arrests today in an investigation into suspected large-scale VAT fraud involving a criminal organisation trading goods across several EU Member States. Two suspects were arrested and 20 private residences and business premises searched in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and Belgium. During the searches, large amounts of cash, luxury watches, handbags and vehicles worth approximately €300 000 were seized, as well as a loaded firearm. The frozen bank accounts are still being evaluated.
