Deceptive Sale: Lubricating Oil Passes Off as Diesel Fuel (Brand: ZOLL-M)

In a significant development, a criminal group suspected of smuggling and illegally pumping at least 16 trucks full of smuggled oil daily into tank construction sites of a company in Upper Franconia since early 2023 has been disrupted.

The operation, which began in early 2023, has seen over 37 million liters of smuggled oil, valued at around 52 million euros, sold as diesel fuel without proper taxation or purpose. Investigators believe that, at least since the beginning of 2023, the contents of up to 16 tanker trucks of smuggled oil were pumped into the Upper Franconian company's tank farms daily.

Seven gas station diesel dispensers were locked and storage tanks sealed on the company premises. Customs investigators secured extensive evidence, including business documents, written records, notebooks, tablet PCs, mobile phones, and over 30,000 euros in cash, as well as 12,500 euros in counterfeit money.

Five Polish tanker trucks loaded with diesel fuel were stopped, and approximately 150,000 liters of their contents were secured. It is suspected that freight papers and hazardous material warning signs may have been altered to diesel fuel during the journey of the five seized tanker trucks.

Six arrest warrants were executed against members of groups suspected of large-scale smuggling of untaxed oil. The investigation into tax evasion in a serious case or commercial tax fraud is ongoing.

Companies from Hamburg, Amberg, Falkensee, and predominantly from Berlin, appeared as suppliers or invoice issuers of the smuggled oil. A tax evasion procedure was initiated against the drivers of the five seized tanker trucks.

The Upper Franconian businessman is suspected of selling the untaxed diesel fuel to end consumers through company-owned gas stations. The value of a tanker truck that was seized later on November 15, 2024, is estimated at around 400,000 euros.

Preliminary estimates suggest a tax loss (energy tax) of around 18 million euros, with an additional 3.6 million euros suspected of VAT evasion. Around 300 customs investigators from various offices and authorities were involved in the raids.

Raids were conducted on 32 locations across Germany by around 230 customs investigators. Dr. Tino Igelmann, head of the Zollkriminalamt in Cologne, commented on the case, emphasizing the successful collaboration between authorities in uncovering criminal networks.

Further details cannot be disclosed at this time for tactical investigative reasons, data protection reasons, and due to tax secrecy. Inquiries can be directed to Dr. Andreas Cantzler, Deputy Chief Public Prosecutor at the Hof Public Prosecutor's Office.

The value of the seized assets, including vehicles and cash, is yet to be determined. The ongoing investigation aims to bring those responsible to justice and recover the lost tax revenue.