In a move to curb tax evasion, authorities have intensified inspections in the popular tourist destinations of Kos and Rhodes, leading to the closure of 16 businesses within 48 hours.
Part of a broader effort by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), the crackdown is seen as a significant escalation in the fight against tax evasion in Greece.
AADE had warned of stricter tax inspections earlier this year, leveraging new tools and technologies, including advanced algorithms to cross-check POS and cash register data. Additionally, citizen reports filed via AADE’s online platform have been instrumental in identifying businesses for inspections.
The recent crackdown in Kos and Rhodes targeted the hospitality sector, with businesses being shut down for failing to issue receipts. The total undeclared revenue across these businesses is reported to exceed €370,000.
The closures are merely the first step in a broader investigation, as businesses flagged by AADE will now undergo thorough audits for their tax activities over the past five years.
Officials have confirmed that inspections will continue across both island destinations and mainland regions.
The intensified inspections have drawn criticism from some business associations, who feel their sectors are being unfairly targeted.
Still, tax authorities interpret these reactions as evidence of their effectiveness.
Last summer, targeted inspections recorded the highest violation rates in Heraklion and Attica. With this summer’s intensified efforts, businesses across Greece are on high alert, aware that a surprise inspection could be imminent.
By George Pappous