Authorities in Greece have seized 2,435 shipping containers worth at least EUR250 million (US$294.4 million), including 500 filled with e-bikes, leading to charges against six individuals for customs fraud, reports Boulder, Colorado’s Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office said 360 of the e-bike containers found at the port of Piraeus in June were undeclared. A total of 7,133 e-bikes and 3,696 e-scooters were secured, with most shipments undervalued to avoid anti-dumping duties.
Only 10 to 15 per cent of the actual number of e-bikes per container were declared, resulting in estimated losses of EUR25 million in customs duties and EUR12.5 million in VAT.
The EPPO’s investigation, code-named Calypso, uncovered a network importing Chinese goods including textiles and shoes. The scheme is believed to have caused EUR700 million (US$825 million) in damages across 14 countries.
Two Greek customs officers were charged with repeated false certification and abetting fraud, causing losses of more than EUR871,000. Four customs brokers were also charged with repeated fraud and inciting false certification.
Pat Cunnane, a trade consultant, said the case highlights the risks of tariff evasion and warned of consequences including fines and criminal prosecution. Bob Margevicius of Specialized Bicycles echoed the concern, citing a US Customs task force formed to combat trade fraud.
EPPO said Chinese nationals control the import networks and are involved in money laundering. Only some containers have been inspected so far, and further investigations may uncover counterfeit and non-compliant goods.
Margevicius noted the EU’s tougher enforcement compared to the US and said Calypso’s scale suggests similar operations may exist elsewhere in Europe.
