Greece Seizes Thousands of Unapproved Dietary Supplements, Uncovers 1.9 Million Euro Tax Evasion

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has successfully cracked down on a significant operation involving the illicit trade of dietary supplements in Greece. Auditors seized a substantial quantity of products, highlighting a serious breach of regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices. This operation underscores the AADE's commitment to combating tax evasion and safeguarding public health by ensuring that all products available to consumers meet stringent quality and safety standards.

The seized items, numbering over 34,000 packages, were being distributed without the necessary clearance from the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). This regulatory oversight is crucial, as it verifies the safety and efficacy of supplements before they reach the market. The estimated value of these undeclared goods exceeds one million euros, pointing to a considerable black market operation.

Beyond the regulatory violations, a thorough tax investigation uncovered a large-scale tax evasion scheme. The company involved failed to declare 1.9 million euros in revenue and evaded 247,500 euros in Value Added Tax (VAT). This dual offense—violating consumer protection laws and defrauding the state—demonstrates a blatant disregard for Greek law and a significant loss to public finances. The AADE's targeted audits are crucial in identifying and dismantling such operations, ensuring that businesses operate transparently and contribute their fair share to the economy.

The AADE has pledged to continue its rigorous inspections across the country, targeting both physical stores and online platforms. This proactive approach aims to root out any further instances of illegal product distribution and protect consumers from potentially harmful or substandard goods. The authority's vigilance is essential in maintaining market integrity and public trust in the regulatory framework governing health products.

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The DEOS auditors continue their investigations with undiminished intensity and targeted efforts throughout the country, in order to identify similar cases of formulations that are circulated illegally, both from physical stores and via the internet.