Inspectors from the DEOS unit of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue dealt yet another blow to maritime fuel smuggling rings as part of the targeted maritime inspections they are conducting at ports across the country.
Following a strategic risk analysis and with the assistance of the Operations Center, DEOS inspectors approached a cargo ship flying the flags of Saint Christopher and Nevis, which was moored alongside at the port of Volos, having declared that it was carrying metal cylinders.
During a thorough inspection of the tanks and a physical count of the fuel, the inspectors discovered an excess of 10.4 metric tons (12,280 liters) of marine diesel, which was not covered by any valid customs or commercial documentation.
According to the findings of the DEOS, this practice is a well-known method used by criminal networks that derive illegal financial gain at the expense of charterers of cargo ships. These quantities are falsely reported as “consumed” during voyages, resulting in undeclared fuel stocks that can subsequently be illegally sold on the market.
Upon discovering the violation, DEOS inspectors took immediate action:
- Prohibited the cargo ship from sailing, by submitting an immediate request to the Volos Central Port Authority.
- Seizing the entire illegal quantity of 12,280 liters of marine diesel fuel.
- Assessing and imposing the corresponding customs and tax charges, amounting to 8,855.76 euros.
The investigation is ongoing, with the aim of identifying the remaining members of the ring.