Seven suspects have been arrested as part of a European investigation into VAT fraud involving electronic products, with estimated losses of 48 million euros.

A large coordinated operation led by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has resulted in the arrest of suspects and the execution of over 100 searches in European countries, including Romania. The investigation, code-named Mela, targets a VAT fraud related to the sale of small electronic products, such as mobile phones, through a 'margin taxation' system. This method allows resellers to pay VAT only on the profit margin, which has led to an estimated loss of 48 million euros in VAT.

During the searches, carried out by over 300 investigators, goods worth 4 million euros were confiscated, including documents, electronic devices, jewelry, and cash. Evidence collection activities took place in several European countries, and Europol coordinated the operation through a virtual command post. Romania contributed to the investigation through the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, thus demonstrating international cooperation in combating tax fraud.