Webinar 19/2021: Alcohol fraud

Alcohol smuggling is carried out in various ways in the European Union. Straight smuggling under false papers or hidden in cover loads still occurs however Organised Crime Groups that infiltrate the bonded warehouse system use more sophisticated and less detectable methods. The relevant EU trade system driven by the use of Excise Movement Control System (EMCS) is designed to facilitate trade and not to identify the signs of illicit trade. Hence opportunities such as the diversion of imported mirror loads under the copy of original papers of a real shipment, false exports (outward diversion) arise.

The overall objective of this webinar is to summarise the alcohol fraud types that are based on the weaknesses of the Excise Movement Control System. Given the high excise rate currently North West Europe is the most exposed region to alcohol fraud though crime patterns that work there can be recognised elsewhere in Europe as well. Experts from Irish and UK Customs services will share their experience and knowledge on existing modus operandi but also how the fraudulent activities can be detected and investigated efficiently in the post-brexit era.