Greece and UK Join Forces Against Smuggling and Customs Fraud

by · Greek City Times

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Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has launched a strategic partnership with UK authorities to strengthen efforts against cross-border economic crime, smuggling and customs fraud.

AADE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK’s tax and customs authority, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Home Office and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The agreement establishes a long-term framework for cooperation aimed at strengthening protection against customs risks, tackling smuggling and fraud, and facilitating legitimate trade.

The MoU provides for several areas of cooperation, including:

  • Coordinated action to address common threats, smuggling and customs violations.
  • Exchange of methodologies, analytical data and risk indicators to identify suspicious shipments without disrupting supply chains.
  • Greater use of post-clearance controls, support for Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) and measures to promote voluntary compliance among businesses.
  • Exchange of expertise on non-intrusive inspection technologies, truck and container inspection systems and best practices for managing equipment.
  • Joint training programmes, exchanges of experts, digitalisation of procedures and the development of specialised skills among customs officials.

AADE Governor Giorgos Pitsilis said international cooperation remains vital for tax and customs authorities because the risks they face increasingly cross national borders.

“The risks we face go beyond national borders, while rapid technological developments require us to constantly adapt,” Mr Pitsilis said.

He described the UK authorities as an experienced partner with whom Greece shares common objectives.

“The MoU we are signing is not the endpoint of a process, but the starting point of meaningful cooperation that translates into specific joint actions, the exchange of expertise and mutual benefits for security and trade,” he said.

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