Portugal

Hermes. 39 arrested for VAT fraud with mobile phones that injured Portuguese State in more than 150 million

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 07/10/2026, 16:56:24 UTC.

Briefings

Portuguese authorities detained 39 suspects in Operation Hermes for fraud involving over 150 million euros in VAT evasion via a mobile phone scheme. The investigation, conducted across eight European countries, involved 248 searches and 62 total detentions, with 39 Portuguese suspects arrested. Key assets seized included 26 properties, 80 luxury vehicles, and bank accounts, with the European Prosecutor's Office ordering asset freezes up to 310 million euros. The fraud scheme used a 'carrying belt' mechanism where companies moved devices across borders to evade VAT, creating complex networks of intermediaries.

Key points

• 39 Portuguese suspects detained in Operation Hermes for fraud involving over 150 million euros in VAT evasion via a mobile phone scheme.
• The investigation involved 248 searches and 62 total detentions across eight European countries, with 39 Portuguese suspects arrested.

Context

Operation Hermes is a transnational investigation conducted by the Northern Directorate of the Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal, in collaboration with the Tax Administration and GNR. It is part of a broader investigation into VAT fraud involving the sale of mobile phones, with the European Prosecutor's Office estimating potential losses of at least 410 million euros across EU member states.

Limitations

Evidence covers only the Operation Hermes investigation, which involved 248 searches and 62 detentions. The scope is limited to Portugal and eight European countries, with no data on prior investigations or other related cases. Some asset seizure details are estimated rather than confirmed, and the total value of frozen assets is a range up to 310 million euros.

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