A significant blow to marine fuel smuggling rings was dealt by the inspectors of DEOS of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), in the context of targeted inspections being carried out, as a cargo ship with 12,280 liters of smuggled marine diesel was detected at the port of Volos.
A DEOS team carried out an inspection on a cargo ship flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was moored alongside at the port of Volos and had declared metal cylinders as its cargo. During the inspection of the tanks and the physical counting of the fuel, the inspectors detected an excess quantity of 10.4 metric tons, that is, 12,280 liters of marine diesel, which was not accompanied by the required customs or commercial documents.
According to AADE, this is a known method used by smuggling rings, which falsely present quantities of fuel as “consumed” during voyages. In this way, undeclared stocks are created, which can then be illegally channeled into the market, yielding significant financial benefit.
After the violation was established, the inspectors proceeded to prohibit the ship’s departure, following a relevant request to the Central Port Authority of Volos, to seize the entire illegal quantity of 12,280 liters of marine diesel, as well as to assess the corresponding customs and tax charges, which amount to 8,855.76 euros.
The investigation by the competent authorities is ongoing, with the aim of identifying the remaining members of the ring who are alleged to be involved in the case.