On 27 October 2026, ANAF’s Antifraud Directorate revealed the results of a targeted verification operation in the second-hand vehicle trade sector, uncovering a significant case of tax evasion in Argeș County. An individual operating without registering any economic activity or declaring tax obligations sold 75 vehicles with a total value exceeding 7.2 million Romanian lei (approximately €1.45 million). The investigation, part of a broader national campaign against the shadow economy in high-value movable assets, found that the seller systematically avoided VAT registration, income tax declaration, and social contribution payments. ANAF emphasized that such operations not only deprive the state budget of substantial revenue but also distort fair competition for compliant dealers. The case has been referred for criminal prosecution under Article 10 of Law 241/2005 on tax evasion, with potential penalties including imprisonment and asset confiscation. The agency urged citizens to verify the fiscal legitimacy of vehicle sellers and report suspicious transactions.
Key Takeaways
- High-Value Asset Monitoring: ANAF is intensifying scrutiny on high-value movable goods (vehicles, jewelry, art) where informal trade facilitates large-scale VAT and income tax evasion.
- Criminal Referral Threshold: The 7.2 million lei undeclared turnover far exceeds the criminal prosecution threshold (currently 30,000 lei for VAT evasion), triggering mandatory referral to prosecutors.
- Buyer Due Diligence: Purchasers from unregistered sellers risk acquiring assets with unresolved fiscal liabilities, potential seizure, and inability to register ownership legally.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement