EPPO’s 2025 Annual Report warns that cross-border VAT and customs fraud are reshaping the EU criminal landscape, causing €45B in losses – triggering investigations, indictments, & asset freezes

Criminals exploit cross-border trade in legal goods to evade detection while generating massive illicit profits. EPPO’s activity has expanded significantly, managing 3 602 active cases (a 35 % increase from 2024), opening 2 030 new investigations, and securing a 34 % rise in indictments, with courts granting asset freezes exceeding €1.13 billion. The report highlights the urgent need for EU-wide coordination, stronger enforcement, and innovative investigative approaches to combat sophisticated VAT and customs fraud and protect…