
Investigation ‘Gummy Bear’: Searches carried out in Brazil, Belgium and Germany in probe into customs fraud involving gelatine imports
European Public Prosecutor's Office
(Luxembourg, 5 August 2026) – In an investigation into a suspected customs evasion scheme involving gelatine imports between affiliated companies, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Frankfurt (Germany), coordinated searches were carried out in Brazil, Belgium and Germany. The investigation, code-named ‘Gummy Bear’, concerns the alleged undervaluation of raw materials imported from Brazil by affiliated companies for the production of gelatine products in Germany, which may have resulted in the underpayment of customs duties.





