Romanian and British prosecutors are conducting searches in a case involving fraud of over £1.7 million

Romanian and British prosecutors are conducting searches at the offices of companies and the homes of individuals in the counties of Argeș, Dolj, Ilfov, Dâmbovița, Bihor and Vaslui, in a case involving illegal access to a computer system, computer fraud and money laundering.

The investigation concerns unauthorized access to the online platform of the UK tax authority HMRC and the submission of fraudulent VAT refund claims on behalf of companies in the United Kingdom. The operation is being carried out by the judicial authorities of Romania and the United Kingdom, with the support of EUROJUST and 20 British officers.

Between January 12, 2024, and February 18, 2026, 89 VAT refund claims were allegedly submitted. Thirty were approved and paid, causing damage of £1,662,292.99, while another 59, worth £1,417,215.67, remained at the attempted stage. Other fraudulent claims were also identified, bringing the actual total damage to £1,706,038.31, while the attempted fraud amounts to £1,731,285.87.

According to prosecutors, details of bank accounts controlled by the individuals involved were entered in the claims to redirect the money. The searches are aimed at collecting evidence, determining each person’s involvement and identifying assets that can be seized to recover the damage.