Hasselt court sentences 12 for multi-million euro invoice fraud

A criminal organization has been dismantled in Hasselt, with 12 individuals receiving prison sentences for their involvement in a large-scale invoice fraud scheme. The group generated over 13.5 million euros between 2018 and 2021 by establishing at least seven fictitious companies. These entities issued fake invoices to other businesses, which then used them to reduce their taxable profits.

The fraud was meticulously managed, with the use of straw men to maintain credibility and the careful accounting and administrative processing of the false invoices. Millions of euros from the scheme were either withdrawn in cash or transferred to foreign accounts. The companies that utilized these fraudulent invoices to lower their tax burden are also facing consequences, as they are required to repay the evaded taxes.

The court handed down sentences ranging from 15 months to 4 years in prison for the 12 defendants. In addition to incarceration, the sentences include asset seizures and, for some, a ban from practicing their professions. The investigation revealed the sophisticated nature of the operation, highlighting the lengths to which criminal groups will go to exploit financial systems.