Piraeus operator denies knowledge of criminal activity

The European Antifraud Office (OLAF) and the Italian Central Antifraud Office’s special investigative unit are both working on the investigation according to the Jakarta Globe,with the alleged scam estimated to have cost Italy tens of millions of euros in unpaid value-added taxes.

PPA stated: “In the management of PPA SA no information has been received about criminal organisations using the Port of Piraeus and if it ever does so, it will immediately inform the competent state audit/enforcement authorities.”

Not responsible

It stressed that “it is under no circumstances responsible for investigating illegal activities”, adding the port administration complies with control measures set by customs authorities and works to ensure goods have full customs supervision.

The port administration also provides all information required by the audit and enforcement authorities, access to electronic records, staff and machinery facilities for required checks, PPA said.

It clarified that “the degree of confidentiality of the procedures and the carrying out of the audits is entirely the responsibility of the Authorities and not of PPA SA”.