Greek tax authority finds more than €300,000 in violations in helicopter company probe

Greek tax inspectors have launched an operation called “Rough Landing” into helicopter companies operating on the country’s islands. The checks began after reports of landings at unauthorized sites.

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue, known as AADE, is examining who owns and operates the aircraft and whether the companies meet their tax obligations. Inspectors used data from Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority and sought administrative assistance from another European Union country.

In one case, a Greek-registered helicopter that recently landed on a Cyclades island was found to belong to a Cypriot company. A nonprofit association appeared as its alleged lessee in Greece, while the operating company, based at an airport in Attica, lists air transport and pilot training among its activities.

Cross-checks through AADE databases and digital systems found a mismatch between the helicopter’s actual use, including rentals to third parties, and the tax documents issued for it. The discrepancy led inspectors to identify more than €300,000 in tax violations. They are also investigating the level of tax evasion and the penalties connected to the helicopter’s alleged commercial use.

Inspectors are examining a second case involving an Austrian-registered helicopter that landed on an island in the Saronic Gulf. The aircraft belongs to an Austrian company, while its operator is based in Attica. Investigators are reviewing the nature of the transactions and services, the financial ties among the parties, and the tax obligations of people and companies in Greece and abroad. In August alone, the company allegedly concealed €25,000 in VAT.