Portugal

“Mobile Cars”: how did millions of people disappear in VAT?

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 07/10/2026, 14:41:24 UTC.

Briefings

Portuguese authorities launched Operation Hermes to investigate millions of euros in potential VAT fraud involving thousands of mobile phones. The case stems from Operation Admiral (2022) and centers on a 'carrot of VAT' scheme where companies charged VAT on imports but failed to remit it, creating a cycle of deductions and rebates. Over 250 searches, 700 police inspectors, and 300 tax officials participated, targeting businesses and legal offices across Portugal and Lisbon. The estimated national loss is over 100 million euros, with potential European fraud exceeding 80 million euros. Investigation aims to identify the controlling entities and determine if transactions were genuine or simulated.

Key points

• Operation Hermes involved over 250 searches, 700 police inspectors, and 300 tax officials across Portugal and Lisbon to investigate mobile phone fraud.
• The 'carrot of VAT' scheme allowed companies to charge VAT on imports but fail to remit it, creating a cycle of deductions and rebates that could result in millions of euros in loss.

Context

The investigation began during Operation Admiral, a major fraud investigation launched in 2022 involving complex electronic equipment fraud across multiple European countries. The Portuguese case focuses on thousands of mobile phones and businesses across the EU, with the Portuguese loss estimated at over 100 million euros while European fraud is estimated at over 80 million euros.

Limitations

Evidence covers only the Operation Hermes investigation phase, which began after Operation Admiral. Specific details about the total number of mobile phones involved, the exact timeline of the 'carrot of VAT' scheme, and the confirmed identities of controlling entities remain unknown. The evidence does not include data on the full scope of Operation Admiral or other related investigations.

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