EU Faces €13bn Loss as Organised Crime Fuels Illicit Cigarette Factories
A new report reveals that nearly 10% of cigarettes in the EU are illegal, costing billions in lost tax revenue.
EU Faces €13bn Loss as Organised Crime Fuels Illicit Cigarette Factories
Alarming Rise in Illicit Tobacco Trade
According to a report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the illegal tobacco trade in the EU is surging, with almost one in ten cigarettes produced outside the law. This booming underground industry is reportedly causing a staggering €13 billion loss in tax revenue each year, raising urgent questions about accountability at both national and EU levels.
The ECA highlighted a significant shift in the nature of the trade, noting that while smuggling remains a concern, illicit manufacturing has risen dramatically across almost every EU state. This begs the question: what measures are governments taking to combat this escalating crime wave and protect public welfare?
As the EU grapples with this crisis, citizens are left to wonder why such a substantial revenue loss has been allowed to persist and what concrete actions will be taken to address this alarming trend. The future of public health and economic stability hangs in the balance as officials face increasing pressure to respond effectively. As reported by The Guardian.
Source: The Guardian
