The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is investigating suspected customs fraud involving steel products imported from Turkey into Italy. As part of the investigation, Italian authorities seized 454 packages of steel products with an estimated value exceeding EUR 5 million at the port of Naples.
The Operation
The operation was carried out by the Economic and Financial Police Unit in Naples and the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency’s Anti-Fraud Office in Campania, following a request from the EPPO. Authorities also conducted searches at the homes and business premises of companies involved in the imports and confiscated electronic devices for further examination.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
The investigation was launched following a report by the Naples office of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) concerning two shipments of steel products imported into Italy in July 2026. The imports were carried out by an Italian company operating in the metalworking sector. The goods originated in Turkey and were exported by a company based in Dubai, UAE, with a customs representative appointed to handle the import declarations on behalf of the Italian importer.
According to the investigators, the steel products were declared as zinc-coated steel, a classification that would have allowed them to benefit from an exemption from additional EU customs duties applicable to certain steel imports. However, physical inspections and laboratory analyses revealed that the products did not correspond to the declared classification and were therefore not eligible for the exemption.
According to the investigation, the incorrect customs classification of the imported steel products was allegedly used to avoid applicable additional customs duties and the related VAT. This scheme is estimated to have caused financial losses of approximately EUR 3.5 million to the EU and Italian public budgets.
What Happens Next
The EPPO stated that the investigation is ongoing. It stressed that the individuals and companies concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the competent Italian courts. Further developments will depend on the analysis of the seized digital evidence and financial records.
