Customs Crackdown: Slamming Down 1.9 Billion Euros in Saxony-Anhalt
Customs agents successfully gather around 1.9 billion euros in tax and customs fees. - Customs Agency collects approximately EUR 1.9 billion in tax and customs fees.
Hey there! Let's dive into the world of custom's operations, focusing on the jaw-dropping results of their efforts in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
The troops at the Customs Service collected a whopping 1.9 billion euros in taxes and duties last year, keeping the revenue around the same level as the previous year. Most of this revenue—nearly 1.6 billion euros—covered consumption taxes, with energy taxes accounting for approximately 1.4 billion euros alone.
But wait, there's more! The tax relief granted came up to around 202 million euros, while the enforcement unit in Halle processed a whopping 120,266 orders and collected about 33.86 million euros in outstanding claims, marking a significant increase compared to 2023 (25.04 million euros).
Cracking Down on Black Work
In the battle against unreported earnings, the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit (FKS) revealed damages of approximately 14.2 million euros in 677 employer inspections—that's around 5 million euros more than the previous year. Overall, the Customs Office initiated more than 2,000 investigations, resulting in fines of around 980,000 euros and nearly 25 years in prison.
In the war against smuggling and illegal goods, customs confiscated about 707,000 cigarettes, nearly 670 kilograms of water pipe tobacco, and almost 390 kilograms of unlicensed fireworks. To add to that, they seized drugs such as heroin, amphetamines, and marijuana, as well as 32 weapons or weapon parts. In total, 199 criminal proceedings were initiated.
Exports Thriving in Saxony-Anhalt
The five customs offices in the state handled around 241,000 customs declarations last year, with the majority aimed at exports. The offices also detected counterfeit goods worth around 615,000 euros during clearance.
As we approach the end of 2024, a total of 530 employees work at the Main Customs Office in Magdeburg, along with 60 trainees.
While specific data about the increase in seizures of illegal goods and drugs in 2024 isn't readily available, it's worth noting that German customs authorities are committed to fighting against illicit activities across the nation. They employ advanced techniques and technology to intercept illegal goods, including drugs, at borders and within the country. For detailed information about seizures or trends in Saxony-Anhalt for 2024, it may be best to consult official reports or press releases from the German Federal Customs Administration or local news sources. These sources might provide specific data or insights into the efforts and outcomes of customs enforcement in the region.
The Community Policy and Employment Policy of the customs service in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany likely include provisions for ensuring compliance with employment laws, particularly in relation to the enforcement unit in Halle. (Community policy, Employment policy)
The Customs Service's seizure of illegal goods and drugs, such as heroin, amphetamines, marijuana, and weapons, is a part of the general-news category, reflecting their role in crime-and-justice matters. (Crime-and-justice, general-news)
