The Independent Authority for Public Revenue is moving forward with the formation of a new, strong front against cross-border financial crime, launching a strategic cooperation with the competent authorities of the United Kingdom, the Tax and Customs Authority (HMRC), the Home Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA).
According to the relevant announcement, the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoU) lays the foundations for a stable, long-term cooperation with the common goal of effective protection against customs risks, combating smuggling and fraud, as well as substantially facilitating legitimate trade.
The Memorandum of Cooperation provides for, among other things:
- Planning and implementation of coordinated actions to address common threats, smuggling, and customs violations.
- Exchange of methodologies, use of analytical data and risk indicators to identify suspicious cargo without disrupting the supply chain.
- Shifting the inspection burden to post-clearance audits, strengthening authorized economic operators (AEOs), and promoting the voluntary compliance of businesses.
- Exchange of expertise on the use of non-intrusive inspection technologies, truck/container control systems, and best practices in equipment management.
- Organization of joint training programs, exchange of experts, digitization of procedures, and development of specialized skills for customs officials.
The Governor of AADE, George Pitsilis, stated: “For tax and customs authorities, international cooperation is of vital importance. The risks we face go beyond national borders, while rapid technological developments require our constant adaptation. We see in the authorities of the United Kingdom a highly experienced partner with whom we share common goals.
The Memorandum we are signing is not the final point of a process, but the starting point of a substantive cooperation that translates into specific joint actions, exchange of expertise, and mutual benefits for security and trade”.