Cyprus customs investigations into fraudulent used vehicle imports

The Cyprus Customs Department has initiated intensified inspections following the discovery of suspicious financial irregularities regarding imported used vehicles. According to department spokesperson Giorgos Constantinou, importers have been declaring unrealistically low prices—in some cases lower than the cost of a bicycle—to evade proper taxation. Authorities are currently investigating these valuation discrepancies as part of a wider effort to curb customs and tax fraud.

Investigations revealed a sophisticated route where vehicles originating in the United Kingdom are first imported into the European Union via the Netherlands. These vehicles are then processed in countries like Bulgaria to acquire EU status before being transferred to Cyprus as intra-community imports. By registering the vehicles in these intermediary countries, importers attempt to mask the original value and origin. The Customs Department is now conducting rigorous checks to address these illicit practices and ensure that all vehicles comply with proper tax obligations upon entry into the Republic of Cyprus.