Two suspects allegedly sold cultural and craft nonprofits to hundreds of people to avoid taxes. According to the Ministry of Finance, many buyers may have made the purchase consciously, some as part of conspiracy movements.
The tax investigation department of the Anti-Fraud Office has discovered a serious case of tax evasion in Austria. After extensive investigation, the tax investigation team carried out seven searches in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Upper Austria in early November.
Tax evasion training offered
The main suspects are a 40-year-old and a 51-year-old. According to the ministry, they are suspected of having “built up a lucrative source of income” since 2019 by establishing and then selling hundreds of clubs.
Before the club sales, so-called training courses were said to have taken place, during which the buyers showed how they could deal with the clubs’ taxes. “The income from sales and training was not correctly declared or declared as ‘tax-free’ at several clubs,” the Ministry of Finance said.
100,000 euros and luxury watches seized
During the searches, 100,000 euros in cash, luxury watches and muscle-building drugs from China were found. The latter has been handed over to customs for further investigation.
Finance Minister Gunter Mayr emphasized: “This success of the tax investigation shows that we are taking decisive action against tax fraud. Such machinations harm society and disadvantage honest taxpayers. Protecting the rule of law and financial justice remains our top priority.”
Source: Krone
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