http://www.etouches.com/wcooecd2016
Increasing the effectiveness of prosecution and penalties to combat illicit trade:
recent initiatives in Greece:
Eirini Stamouli_GSAC
The tax-to-GDP ratio in the EU was stable at 40.0% in 2015. There was variation between Member States, with the highest ratios in France (47.9%), Denmark (47.6%), and Belgium (47.5%). Taxes on production and imports made up the largest share of tax revenue in the EU (13.6% of GDP). The tax-to-GDP ratio increased the most in Lithuania (29.4% in 2015) and Estonia (34.1%).
The document discusses tax trends in Luxembourg according to two OECD reports. It finds that Luxembourg's tax burden has increased slightly in recent years, though it remains below the OECD average. Luxembourg collects a higher proportion of taxes from corporate income, property, and social security than average, and a lower proportion from personal income and goods/services. Luxembourg's VAT revenues are below average as a percentage of total tax, and its standard VAT rate of 15% has not changed since 1992 and remains below the 19.1% OECD average. However, Luxembourg's VAT revenue ratio is far above average, suggesting its financial sector contributes to higher than expected VAT collections.
Indirect taxes are booming.
As they work to bring public finances under control, governments around the world are increasing VAT, excises and other indirect taxes. They see this as a straightforward way to raise additional revenue.
To find out more, visit: http://tmagazine.ey.com/issue/issue-08/
The document discusses the need for a new tax code in Armenia to improve the business environment and lower tax compliance costs. It notes that tax collections have increased in recent years but remain below peer countries due to a lack of a unified tax code. The proposed new tax code aims to broaden tax bases, lower rates, simplify the system, and increase revenues while promoting growth. A draft is under public consultation and the government aims to pass a new tax code by 2017.
The tax system in Poland is comprised of taxes levied at both the federal and regional levels. The major sources of revenue include the income tax, social security contributions, corporate tax, and value-added tax (VAT) which are applied nationally. VAT is charged at normal rates of 23% and lower rates of 8% and 5% for certain goods. Additionally, social security contributions are shared between employees and employers across various funds. The tax system in Poland is gradually developing to encourage foreign investment and job creation by reducing corporate income tax rates and maintaining relatively low labor costs.
The tax-to-GDP ratio in the EU was stable at 40.0% in 2015. There was variation between Member States, with the highest ratios in France (47.9%), Denmark (47.6%), and Belgium (47.5%). Taxes on production and imports made up the largest share of tax revenue in the EU (13.6% of GDP). The tax-to-GDP ratio increased the most in Lithuania (29.4% in 2015) and Estonia (34.1%).
The document discusses tax trends in Luxembourg according to two OECD reports. It finds that Luxembourg's tax burden has increased slightly in recent years, though it remains below the OECD average. Luxembourg collects a higher proportion of taxes from corporate income, property, and social security than average, and a lower proportion from personal income and goods/services. Luxembourg's VAT revenues are below average as a percentage of total tax, and its standard VAT rate of 15% has not changed since 1992 and remains below the 19.1% OECD average. However, Luxembourg's VAT revenue ratio is far above average, suggesting its financial sector contributes to higher than expected VAT collections.
Indirect taxes are booming.
As they work to bring public finances under control, governments around the world are increasing VAT, excises and other indirect taxes. They see this as a straightforward way to raise additional revenue.
To find out more, visit: http://tmagazine.ey.com/issue/issue-08/
The document discusses the need for a new tax code in Armenia to improve the business environment and lower tax compliance costs. It notes that tax collections have increased in recent years but remain below peer countries due to a lack of a unified tax code. The proposed new tax code aims to broaden tax bases, lower rates, simplify the system, and increase revenues while promoting growth. A draft is under public consultation and the government aims to pass a new tax code by 2017.
The tax system in Poland is comprised of taxes levied at both the federal and regional levels. The major sources of revenue include the income tax, social security contributions, corporate tax, and value-added tax (VAT) which are applied nationally. VAT is charged at normal rates of 23% and lower rates of 8% and 5% for certain goods. Additionally, social security contributions are shared between employees and employers across various funds. The tax system in Poland is gradually developing to encourage foreign investment and job creation by reducing corporate income tax rates and maintaining relatively low labor costs.
This document provides an overview of Estonia's tax system and structure. It notes that Estonia has a simple tax system with broad tax bases and low rates. The main taxes include a flat 21% personal income tax, 21% corporate income tax on distributed profits, and a 33% social tax paid by employers. It also covers Estonia's value-added tax and various excise duties. The tax system aims to promote economic growth while achieving sustainable and balanced development. Revenues have increased steadily over time with the introduction of the flat tax rates.
What Can Data Journalists and Digital Researchers Learn from Each Other?Liliana Bounegru
Talk given with Jonathan Gray at the Digital Humanities + Data Journalism Symposium at the University of Miami on 30 September 2016. http://dhdj.com.miami.edu/
This document presents a summary of a study assessing Zimbabwe's value added tax (VAT) system. The study aimed to establish how widening the tax base by restructuring zero-rated and exempt supplies could increase revenue collections. Preliminary findings showed that major zero-rated industries included mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Simulations of standard rating sugar production and exempting both domestic and exported gold supplies reduced refunds and increased potential revenue. The conclusion recommends fine-tuning Zimbabwe's VAT system through continuous review and repositioning tax rates along supply chains.
DPA Conference - Innternational Reform Drug Policy Conference, LA, USA 2011Paula Vale de Andrade
This document summarizes Portugal's approach to drug policy and harm reduction. It describes how Portugal shifted from criminalizing drug use to a public health approach in 2000. This led to decreased drug-related harms and drug-related criminal justice involvement while increasing access to treatment. The document also outlines Portugal's harm reduction strategies, which aim to reduce health and social risks for people who use drugs through services like needle exchange and opioid substitution treatment.
The German tax system consists of two main taxes: the personal income tax and value-added tax (VAT). The personal income tax applies different tax rates depending on an individual's taxable income and tax class. Income up to 8,652 euros is tax exempt. VAT is charged on all goods and services at a standard 19% rate, with some items taxed at a reduced 7% rate. For VAT, businesses can claim refunds on taxes paid for goods used in production, so the final burden is paid by the end consumer.
This document discusses the policy processes that preceded the implementation of an over-aged vehicle tax in Ghana. It analyzes the key actors involved in developing and passing the tax, including politicians, ministries, interest groups, and vehicle business groups. It also assesses whether the tax achieved its goals of generating revenue, reducing old vehicle imports, and lowering emissions and traffic fatalities. While revenue increased, the tax failed to meet its other objectives. More research is needed to fully evaluate the tax's environmental and safety impacts.
The document analyzes the impact of cigarette excise rate increases in Rwanda from 2008 to 2016. It finds that increasing excise taxes led to a 17.4% reduction in cigarette consumption, meeting the health ministry's target. Price elasticity of demand for cigarettes was estimated to be between -0.474 to -0.532, indicating that a 1% price increase reduces consumption by 0.474 to 0.532%. Imported cigarettes had a more negative price elasticity than domestic cigarettes. The study recommends continuing excise tax increases to further reduce smoking, while also tightening anti-smuggling measures to prevent tax revenue losses.
The document discusses virtual permanent establishment and country-by-country reporting in relation to electronic commerce and the digital economy. It notes that e-commerce is growing rapidly in Africa but current definitions of permanent establishment and reporting thresholds do not adequately address the tax challenges of the digital world. The document proposes using a virtual permanent establishment approach and lowering reporting thresholds to enhance taxation and monitoring of multinational enterprises' activities in Africa. Further research on blockchain and profit allocation is also suggested.
Republic of Moldova’s experience in negotiating the DCFTA with EUBertelsmann Stiftung
Experiences with Moldova-EU DCFTA negotiations: The presentation lists reasons for a DCFTA agreement, as well as numerous key elements, which should be used in negotiations of this type. Vadim Gumene is a former member of the Moldova-Ukraine DCFTA negotiation team and director at the program for trade policy & deep and comprehensive free trade agreement at Expert-Grup.
Further information:
Stakeholder Dialogue in Cooperation with the AHK Tunisia - Negotiating ALECA – Lessons Learned from the DCFTAs with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Organizer: Bertelsmann-Stiftung in Cooperation with the AHK Tunisia
Date: Wednesday, 27-28 June 2018.
The document summarizes the EU's implementation of country-by-country reporting (CbCR) as outlined in the OECD's BEPS Action 13. It discusses how the EU has moved beyond exchanging CbCR information between tax authorities, as recommended by the OECD, by proposing to make some CbCR information publicly available. While increased tax transparency across EU members is welcomed, public CbCR may negatively impact business competitiveness and confidentiality compared to the OECD's recommendations, which only require reporting to tax authorities. The EU continues working to implement BEPS measures and increase coordination on corporate taxation among its members.
Illicit trade of tobacco undermines health policies aimed at making tobacco less affordable and increases smoking rates. In Europe, tobacco kills over 1.6 million people each year, with the highest rates of adult smoking and tobacco-related deaths. Combating illicit trade can save thousands of lives and generate billions in additional tax revenue. Successful strategies in countries like Italy, Spain, and the UK involved increased enforcement, higher penalties for smugglers, and international cooperation. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control's Illicit Trade Protocol provides measures to help control supply chains and curb illicit trade if ratified.
Trends in Trade in Counterfeit & Pirated Goods - OECD EUIPO report.OECD Governance
This study examines the value, scope and trends of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. First, it presents the overall scale of this trade and discusses which parts of the economy are particularly at risk. Next, it looks at the main economies of origin of fakes in global trade. Finally, it analyses recent trends in terms of changing modes of shipment and the evolution of trade flows.
See: oe.cd/global-fake-trade
The document provides a report on environmental crime in Europe from the Intelligence Project on Environmental Crime (IPEC). IPEC was launched in 2014 to better understand the types, extent, and obstacles to combating environmental crimes across EU member states. The report is based on questionnaires sent to EU and non-EU countries, as well as interviews with experts. It finds that environmental crimes, such as waste trafficking, endangered species trafficking, and illegal logging, pose serious threats and are often facilitated by organized criminal groups seeking illicit profits. The report recommends improving legislation, law enforcement efforts, international cooperation, and public awareness to better address these "low risk, high profit" crimes.
Organized Crime and Illicit Trade in Europe by Michele Riccardi & Francesco C...OECD Governance
Presentation made by Michele Riccardi & Francesco Calderoni, Transcrime at the 3rd meeting of the OECD Task Force on Charting Illicit Trade - OECD, Paris, 30-31 March 2015
For more information see http://www.oecd.org/gov/risk/charting-illicit-trade-third-task-force-meeting.htm
The document summarizes several reports that have quantified the economic impact of counterfeiting. It outlines that:
1) Reports by organizations like OECD, OHIM, and UNODC provide data on the estimated financial losses caused by counterfeiting globally and in specific industries like cosmetics, clothing, and how it affects employment and tax revenue.
2) This data can be used by governments and rights holders to enhance awareness of counterfeiting's harms and shape anti-counterfeiting strategies by indicating which markets, sectors, or regions require more focus.
3) Effective strategies require understanding whether counterfeiting in a country is domestic or imported and if consumers are unwittingly or knowingly
1. Illicit markets in the European Union generate around 110 billion euro annually, approximately 1% of EU GDP. Illicit drugs remain the most profitable at 28 billion euro yearly, though fraud is becoming highly lucrative at 29 billion euro from MTIC VAT fraud alone.
2. Revenues are shared between a plurality of organised crime groups and criminal actors using business facilitators and legitimate companies to facilitate illicit trade. The poly-crime nature of groups expands economies of scale across markets.
3. Emerging trends include the rise of new synthetic drugs, home-grown cannabis, and highly profitable fraud. Social and economic costs to Europe are substantial but difficult to estimate fully. Authorities face challenges in monitoring shifting illicit
This document outlines a comprehensive action plan to address the growing issue of counterfeiting and smuggling in South Asia. It notes that counterfeiting is becoming a hugely lucrative business that deprives governments of revenue and burdens taxpayers. The plan calls for market surveys to identify counterfeit goods, investigations into criminal networks, business intelligence analysis, legal actions, and public awareness campaigns. It also recommends strengthening international laws and frameworks around free trade zones, criminal sanctions, goods in transit, and anti-counterfeiting agreements to curb cross-border trafficking of counterfeit products.
Tobacco products, in particular cigarettes, are a traditional contraband article. The reason is plain to see: a great part of the price of the end product is
accounted for excises and taxes. Therefore, depending on the tax policy of different countries, the price of a pack of cigarettes of the same brand may differ
several-fold. It is quite natural that both residents of border territories, who pass
small batches of cigarettes for sale, and representatives of criminal networks
are trying to make money from this.
A large tax component in the price and relatively low cost incentivize another
type of illegal activity – the manufacturing of counterfeit products and/or the
use of tax evasion schemes in the manufacturing of tobacco products.
On the other hand, from the point of view of the state, tobacco taxes are one of
the main sources of replenishment of the treasury. For example, the budget of
Ukraine for 2020 assumed 57 billion UAH of excise tax revenues from tobacco
products produced in the country and another 1.45 billion – from imported ones.
This is 5.9% of the budget revenue or 11% of the total expected tax revenue for
the current year 1
. Besides the abovementioned amounts, we should also add
the factor of attracting foreign currency to the country – the revenues from the
export of tobacco products from Ukraine in 2019 amounted to $497.1 million.
Smoke, Europol’s fight against the illicit tobacco tradeillegalehandel
This document discusses Europol's mission to support law enforcement agencies in the European Union (EU) in preventing and combating organized crime. It specifically focuses on Europol's role in combating the illicit tobacco trade. Europol collects and analyzes criminal intelligence to help EU member states investigate cases like tobacco smuggling and counterfeiting. The illicit tobacco trade costs governments billions in lost tax revenue each year and funds other criminal activities like terrorism. Europol works with EU members on projects targeting factories, criminal groups, and shipping routes involved in the unlawful tobacco trade.
The document analyzes the costs of corruption across EU member states. It estimates that corruption results in a hit to EU GDP of around €904 billion per year. It provides country-by-country analyses of how much money is lost annually to corruption in each member state, and examples of how that money could fund alternative programs if not lost to corruption. It calls for stronger EU-level action and policies to combat corruption across Europe.
Gebrewold_Economics of Tobacco Control_ Final PaperBineyam Gebrewold
1) Raising tobacco taxes in Ethiopia could help reduce smoking rates, especially among youth, by making cigarettes less affordable. Currently, Ethiopia has relatively low tobacco taxes.
2) While overall smoking rates in Ethiopia are low compared to other developing nations, certain regions like Gambella have much higher smoking prevalence. Raising tobacco prices through taxes could discourage smoking across the country.
3) Studies show that a 10% increase in cigarette prices due to taxes typically leads to at least a 5% reduction in tobacco consumption. Increasing Ethiopia's tobacco taxes could thus lower health risks while also generating more tax revenue.
Presentation from the launch of the OECD report "Trade in Counterfeit Goods a...OECD Governance
The document summarizes a study on the impacts of counterfeiting and piracy on the Italian economy. Some key findings include:
- Up to 16% of goods imported to Italy are counterfeit, primarily from China and Hong Kong. Counterfeit clothing, handbags, and electronics are most common.
- Global trade in fake goods infringing on Italian trademarks was worth €31.7 billion in 2013, equal to 3.6% of Italian manufacturing sales.
- Counterfeiting led to €7.9 billion in lost sales for Italian retailers, €24 billion for manufacturers, and 88,000 lost jobs, representing 2.1% of Italian employment.
- Italy lost €10.
This document provides an overview of Estonia's tax system and structure. It notes that Estonia has a simple tax system with broad tax bases and low rates. The main taxes include a flat 21% personal income tax, 21% corporate income tax on distributed profits, and a 33% social tax paid by employers. It also covers Estonia's value-added tax and various excise duties. The tax system aims to promote economic growth while achieving sustainable and balanced development. Revenues have increased steadily over time with the introduction of the flat tax rates.
What Can Data Journalists and Digital Researchers Learn from Each Other?Liliana Bounegru
Talk given with Jonathan Gray at the Digital Humanities + Data Journalism Symposium at the University of Miami on 30 September 2016. http://dhdj.com.miami.edu/
This document presents a summary of a study assessing Zimbabwe's value added tax (VAT) system. The study aimed to establish how widening the tax base by restructuring zero-rated and exempt supplies could increase revenue collections. Preliminary findings showed that major zero-rated industries included mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation. Simulations of standard rating sugar production and exempting both domestic and exported gold supplies reduced refunds and increased potential revenue. The conclusion recommends fine-tuning Zimbabwe's VAT system through continuous review and repositioning tax rates along supply chains.
DPA Conference - Innternational Reform Drug Policy Conference, LA, USA 2011Paula Vale de Andrade
This document summarizes Portugal's approach to drug policy and harm reduction. It describes how Portugal shifted from criminalizing drug use to a public health approach in 2000. This led to decreased drug-related harms and drug-related criminal justice involvement while increasing access to treatment. The document also outlines Portugal's harm reduction strategies, which aim to reduce health and social risks for people who use drugs through services like needle exchange and opioid substitution treatment.
The German tax system consists of two main taxes: the personal income tax and value-added tax (VAT). The personal income tax applies different tax rates depending on an individual's taxable income and tax class. Income up to 8,652 euros is tax exempt. VAT is charged on all goods and services at a standard 19% rate, with some items taxed at a reduced 7% rate. For VAT, businesses can claim refunds on taxes paid for goods used in production, so the final burden is paid by the end consumer.
This document discusses the policy processes that preceded the implementation of an over-aged vehicle tax in Ghana. It analyzes the key actors involved in developing and passing the tax, including politicians, ministries, interest groups, and vehicle business groups. It also assesses whether the tax achieved its goals of generating revenue, reducing old vehicle imports, and lowering emissions and traffic fatalities. While revenue increased, the tax failed to meet its other objectives. More research is needed to fully evaluate the tax's environmental and safety impacts.
The document analyzes the impact of cigarette excise rate increases in Rwanda from 2008 to 2016. It finds that increasing excise taxes led to a 17.4% reduction in cigarette consumption, meeting the health ministry's target. Price elasticity of demand for cigarettes was estimated to be between -0.474 to -0.532, indicating that a 1% price increase reduces consumption by 0.474 to 0.532%. Imported cigarettes had a more negative price elasticity than domestic cigarettes. The study recommends continuing excise tax increases to further reduce smoking, while also tightening anti-smuggling measures to prevent tax revenue losses.
The document discusses virtual permanent establishment and country-by-country reporting in relation to electronic commerce and the digital economy. It notes that e-commerce is growing rapidly in Africa but current definitions of permanent establishment and reporting thresholds do not adequately address the tax challenges of the digital world. The document proposes using a virtual permanent establishment approach and lowering reporting thresholds to enhance taxation and monitoring of multinational enterprises' activities in Africa. Further research on blockchain and profit allocation is also suggested.
Republic of Moldova’s experience in negotiating the DCFTA with EUBertelsmann Stiftung
Experiences with Moldova-EU DCFTA negotiations: The presentation lists reasons for a DCFTA agreement, as well as numerous key elements, which should be used in negotiations of this type. Vadim Gumene is a former member of the Moldova-Ukraine DCFTA negotiation team and director at the program for trade policy & deep and comprehensive free trade agreement at Expert-Grup.
Further information:
Stakeholder Dialogue in Cooperation with the AHK Tunisia - Negotiating ALECA – Lessons Learned from the DCFTAs with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
Organizer: Bertelsmann-Stiftung in Cooperation with the AHK Tunisia
Date: Wednesday, 27-28 June 2018.
The document summarizes the EU's implementation of country-by-country reporting (CbCR) as outlined in the OECD's BEPS Action 13. It discusses how the EU has moved beyond exchanging CbCR information between tax authorities, as recommended by the OECD, by proposing to make some CbCR information publicly available. While increased tax transparency across EU members is welcomed, public CbCR may negatively impact business competitiveness and confidentiality compared to the OECD's recommendations, which only require reporting to tax authorities. The EU continues working to implement BEPS measures and increase coordination on corporate taxation among its members.
Illicit trade of tobacco undermines health policies aimed at making tobacco less affordable and increases smoking rates. In Europe, tobacco kills over 1.6 million people each year, with the highest rates of adult smoking and tobacco-related deaths. Combating illicit trade can save thousands of lives and generate billions in additional tax revenue. Successful strategies in countries like Italy, Spain, and the UK involved increased enforcement, higher penalties for smugglers, and international cooperation. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control's Illicit Trade Protocol provides measures to help control supply chains and curb illicit trade if ratified.
Trends in Trade in Counterfeit & Pirated Goods - OECD EUIPO report.OECD Governance
This study examines the value, scope and trends of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. First, it presents the overall scale of this trade and discusses which parts of the economy are particularly at risk. Next, it looks at the main economies of origin of fakes in global trade. Finally, it analyses recent trends in terms of changing modes of shipment and the evolution of trade flows.
See: oe.cd/global-fake-trade
The document provides a report on environmental crime in Europe from the Intelligence Project on Environmental Crime (IPEC). IPEC was launched in 2014 to better understand the types, extent, and obstacles to combating environmental crimes across EU member states. The report is based on questionnaires sent to EU and non-EU countries, as well as interviews with experts. It finds that environmental crimes, such as waste trafficking, endangered species trafficking, and illegal logging, pose serious threats and are often facilitated by organized criminal groups seeking illicit profits. The report recommends improving legislation, law enforcement efforts, international cooperation, and public awareness to better address these "low risk, high profit" crimes.
Organized Crime and Illicit Trade in Europe by Michele Riccardi & Francesco C...OECD Governance
Presentation made by Michele Riccardi & Francesco Calderoni, Transcrime at the 3rd meeting of the OECD Task Force on Charting Illicit Trade - OECD, Paris, 30-31 March 2015
For more information see http://www.oecd.org/gov/risk/charting-illicit-trade-third-task-force-meeting.htm
The document summarizes several reports that have quantified the economic impact of counterfeiting. It outlines that:
1) Reports by organizations like OECD, OHIM, and UNODC provide data on the estimated financial losses caused by counterfeiting globally and in specific industries like cosmetics, clothing, and how it affects employment and tax revenue.
2) This data can be used by governments and rights holders to enhance awareness of counterfeiting's harms and shape anti-counterfeiting strategies by indicating which markets, sectors, or regions require more focus.
3) Effective strategies require understanding whether counterfeiting in a country is domestic or imported and if consumers are unwittingly or knowingly
1. Illicit markets in the European Union generate around 110 billion euro annually, approximately 1% of EU GDP. Illicit drugs remain the most profitable at 28 billion euro yearly, though fraud is becoming highly lucrative at 29 billion euro from MTIC VAT fraud alone.
2. Revenues are shared between a plurality of organised crime groups and criminal actors using business facilitators and legitimate companies to facilitate illicit trade. The poly-crime nature of groups expands economies of scale across markets.
3. Emerging trends include the rise of new synthetic drugs, home-grown cannabis, and highly profitable fraud. Social and economic costs to Europe are substantial but difficult to estimate fully. Authorities face challenges in monitoring shifting illicit
This document outlines a comprehensive action plan to address the growing issue of counterfeiting and smuggling in South Asia. It notes that counterfeiting is becoming a hugely lucrative business that deprives governments of revenue and burdens taxpayers. The plan calls for market surveys to identify counterfeit goods, investigations into criminal networks, business intelligence analysis, legal actions, and public awareness campaigns. It also recommends strengthening international laws and frameworks around free trade zones, criminal sanctions, goods in transit, and anti-counterfeiting agreements to curb cross-border trafficking of counterfeit products.
Tobacco products, in particular cigarettes, are a traditional contraband article. The reason is plain to see: a great part of the price of the end product is
accounted for excises and taxes. Therefore, depending on the tax policy of different countries, the price of a pack of cigarettes of the same brand may differ
several-fold. It is quite natural that both residents of border territories, who pass
small batches of cigarettes for sale, and representatives of criminal networks
are trying to make money from this.
A large tax component in the price and relatively low cost incentivize another
type of illegal activity – the manufacturing of counterfeit products and/or the
use of tax evasion schemes in the manufacturing of tobacco products.
On the other hand, from the point of view of the state, tobacco taxes are one of
the main sources of replenishment of the treasury. For example, the budget of
Ukraine for 2020 assumed 57 billion UAH of excise tax revenues from tobacco
products produced in the country and another 1.45 billion – from imported ones.
This is 5.9% of the budget revenue or 11% of the total expected tax revenue for
the current year 1
. Besides the abovementioned amounts, we should also add
the factor of attracting foreign currency to the country – the revenues from the
export of tobacco products from Ukraine in 2019 amounted to $497.1 million.
Smoke, Europol’s fight against the illicit tobacco tradeillegalehandel
This document discusses Europol's mission to support law enforcement agencies in the European Union (EU) in preventing and combating organized crime. It specifically focuses on Europol's role in combating the illicit tobacco trade. Europol collects and analyzes criminal intelligence to help EU member states investigate cases like tobacco smuggling and counterfeiting. The illicit tobacco trade costs governments billions in lost tax revenue each year and funds other criminal activities like terrorism. Europol works with EU members on projects targeting factories, criminal groups, and shipping routes involved in the unlawful tobacco trade.
The document analyzes the costs of corruption across EU member states. It estimates that corruption results in a hit to EU GDP of around €904 billion per year. It provides country-by-country analyses of how much money is lost annually to corruption in each member state, and examples of how that money could fund alternative programs if not lost to corruption. It calls for stronger EU-level action and policies to combat corruption across Europe.
Gebrewold_Economics of Tobacco Control_ Final PaperBineyam Gebrewold
1) Raising tobacco taxes in Ethiopia could help reduce smoking rates, especially among youth, by making cigarettes less affordable. Currently, Ethiopia has relatively low tobacco taxes.
2) While overall smoking rates in Ethiopia are low compared to other developing nations, certain regions like Gambella have much higher smoking prevalence. Raising tobacco prices through taxes could discourage smoking across the country.
3) Studies show that a 10% increase in cigarette prices due to taxes typically leads to at least a 5% reduction in tobacco consumption. Increasing Ethiopia's tobacco taxes could thus lower health risks while also generating more tax revenue.
Presentation from the launch of the OECD report "Trade in Counterfeit Goods a...OECD Governance
The document summarizes a study on the impacts of counterfeiting and piracy on the Italian economy. Some key findings include:
- Up to 16% of goods imported to Italy are counterfeit, primarily from China and Hong Kong. Counterfeit clothing, handbags, and electronics are most common.
- Global trade in fake goods infringing on Italian trademarks was worth €31.7 billion in 2013, equal to 3.6% of Italian manufacturing sales.
- Counterfeiting led to €7.9 billion in lost sales for Italian retailers, €24 billion for manufacturers, and 88,000 lost jobs, representing 2.1% of Italian employment.
- Italy lost €10.
This report analyzes the illicit tobacco trade in Lithuania. It is divided into three chapters:
1) The first chapter examines five drivers of the illicit tobacco trade - society and economy, the legal market, regulation, crime environment, and enforcement. It provides key indicators for each driver.
2) The second chapter analyzes the four components of the illicit tobacco trade - demand, supply, products, and modus operandi/geographical distribution.
3) The third chapter identifies the key factors influencing the illicit tobacco trade in Lithuania and discusses how elements of the five drivers impact the four components. It finds that economic accessibility, availability, profitability, and risk are the four most important factors
The document provides an overview of anti-corruption efforts in Italy. It notes that while Italy has traditionally focused on law enforcement, it recently adopted new legislation aiming to take a more preventative approach. However, the new framework places significant burdens on implementation and public perception of corruption remains very high according to surveys. The estimated annual cost of corruption in Italy is EUR 60 billion, around 4% of GDP.
The document provides an overview of anti-corruption efforts in Italy. It notes that while Italy has traditionally focused on enforcement, a new 2012 law aims to establish a more balanced preventative approach. However, perception surveys still show widespread belief that corruption is common in Italy. The document also discusses issues like the fragmented legal framework and capacity challenges in fully implementing new policies.
FLARE is a network of 38 civil society organizations and NGOs across 25 countries that works to fight organized crime through communication, youth programs, supporting victims' families, and cultural events. It operates offices in Turin, Brussels, Nis, Kiev, and Paris. FLARE promotes laws and policies like Italy's Law 109 from 1995 that allows confiscated criminal assets to be reused for social purposes. FLARE has also campaigned for a "Season of Legality" to raise awareness about fighting organized crime through legal reforms and public events in 20 countries. Currently, FLARE is collecting signatures against corruption and plans to participate in a European Citizens' Initiative in 2012.
OECD, 2nd Task Force Meeting on Charting Illicit Trade - OECD, 2nd Task Force...OECD Governance
UNICRI's program on counterfeiting focuses on the complexity of the problem, its serious consequences for society, and its nature as a transnational criminal activity. The program undertakes projects to map organized crime's involvement in counterfeiting in Italy, analyzes criminal strategies in falsified medicine production through the SAVEmed project, and examines applying proceeds of crime laws to counterfeiting through studies in several countries. The goals are to better understand criminal networks, raise awareness, and increase deterrence by confiscating illegal profits.
Approach to tackle illicit trade by the Belgian Customs and Excise Administra...OECD Governance
Presentation made by the Belgian Customs and Excise Administration at the 3rd meeting of the OECD Task Force on Charting Illicit Trade -
OECD, Paris, 30-31 March 2015
For more information see http://www.oecd.org/gov/risk/charting-illicit-trade-third-task-force-meeting.htm
Giulia Mugellini, Law School, University of St. Gallen (Switzerland)Geneva Declaration
"Engaging the private sector for armed violence reduction and prevention (AVRP) and development"
Regional Review Conference on the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development
Geneva, Switzerland | 8-9 July 2014
OECD, 2nd Task Force Meeting on Charting Illicit Trade - Tamara SCHOTTEOECD Governance
This presentation by Tamara SCHOTTE was made at the 2nd Task Force Meeting on Charting Illicit Trade held on 5-7 March 2014. www.oecd.org/gov/risk/charting-illicit-trade-second-task-force-meeting.htm
Similar to Illicit Tobacco trade and inter-agency co-operation in Greece (20)
The document discusses transparency and oversight of political party financing. It finds that financial contributions to political parties are not fully transparent and are still vulnerable to political and foreign influence. Additionally, financial reports from political parties are not always publicly available or submitted on time according to regulations.
Summary of the OECD expert meeting: Construction Risk Management in Infrastru...OECD Governance
Presented at the OECD expert meeting "Construction Risk Management in Infrastructure Procurement: The Loss of Appetite for Fixed-Price Contracts", held on 17 May 2023 at the OECD, Paris and online.
Using AI led assurance to deliver projects on time and on budget - D. Amratia...OECD Governance
Presented at the OECD expert meeting "Construction Risk Management in Infrastructure Procurement: The Loss of Appetite for Fixed-Price Contracts", held on 17 May 2023 at the OECD, Paris and online.
ECI in Sweden - A. Kadefors, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm (SE)OECD Governance
This document discusses different construction project delivery and payment models. It begins by outlining common delivery models like design-bid-build and design-build. It then explains different payment methods that can be used like fixed price, unit prices, and cost-reimbursable. The document also discusses pricing strategies and how they relate to risk transfer between parties. It provides details on collaborative models like early contractor involvement and discusses selecting the optimal contract based on a client's project risks, desired influence, and market conditions.
Building Client Capability to Deliver Megaprojects - J. Denicol, professor at...OECD Governance
Presented at the OECD expert meeting "Construction Risk Management in Infrastructure Procurement: The Loss of Appetite for Fixed-Price Contracts", held on 17 May 2023 at the OECD, Paris and online.
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This report explores the significance of border towns and spaces for strengthening responses to young people on the move. In particular it explores the linkages of young people to local service centres with the aim of further developing service, protection, and support strategies for migrant children in border areas across the region. The report is based on a small-scale fieldwork study in the border towns of Chipata and Katete in Zambia conducted in July 2023. Border towns and spaces provide a rich source of information about issues related to the informal or irregular movement of young people across borders, including smuggling and trafficking. They can help build a picture of the nature and scope of the type of movement young migrants undertake and also the forms of protection available to them. Border towns and spaces also provide a lens through which we can better understand the vulnerabilities of young people on the move and, critically, the strategies they use to navigate challenges and access support.
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Illicit Tobacco trade and inter-agency co-operation in Greece
1. Session 1: Co-operation between across Customs and other enforcement agencies to
counter illicit trade
Illicit Tobacco trade and inter-agency cooperation in
Greece: recent initiatives
Dr. Eirini Stamouli
General Secretariat Against Corruption
Ministry of Justice, Transparency & Human Rights
Hellenic Republic
World Custom Organization- OECD
Brussels, 7-8/11/2016
1
2. Organized Crime in Greece
• Increase of OC since 90s (human trafficking,
immigrant smuggling, racketeering)
• economic crisis
• cigarette smuggling, loan sharking and money
laundering
• The geographical position of Greece as a
passage between East and West
• The economic crisis as a primary reinforcing
parameter (enabler) respectively - (SOCTA
2013)
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3. Organized Crime in Greece
• Strong links to international criminal organizations.
• Polycriminal groups.
• use of internet in order to facilitate their criminal
activity.
• These is a continued upward trend in crimes with
serious economic consequences on the State,
businesses, and individuals, e.g. cigarette
smuggling.
3
4. The profits of Organized Crime in Greece - estimates
Source: ‘’Final report of project OCP – Organised Crime Portfolio’’ (2015)
• 3.6 billion euros per year, corresponding to 1.6
percent in GDP (in 2010).
• Cigarette smuggling brings 455 million euros
per year (2013).
• Drug trafficking: 54 million euros per year in
heroin sales, 35 million euros in ecstasy sales,
28 million euros from cannabis and 16 million
euros from cocaine.
• The biggest profits for criminal organizations
come from counterfeit products estimated at
1.5 billion euros (2010).
4
5. Greece & international drug trafficking routes/heroin, cannabis, cocaine
Source: Coordinative Body for Drug Law Enforcement - 2014 Annual Report
5
6. • Smuggling of tobacco products
• economic crisis/increase of the demand
for illegal cigarettes and tobacco
• 2011: increase of 37% compared to the
respective numbers of seizures for year
2010
• The total amount of lost revenues and
taxes was estimated at over EUR 125
million.
Συντονιστική Υπηρεσία Καταπολέμησης
της Απάτης - AFCOS
6
7. • 2008 -2014: The state missed out total
taxes of 2, 535 billion euros (KPMG,
Project SUN, 2014)
• In 2014: contraband and counterfeit
tobacco products 20,6 % of domestic
cigarette transactions.
• In 2015: 19.8 % of the total consumption
Συντονιστική Υπηρεσία Καταπολέμησης
της Απάτης - AFCOS
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8. Smuggling of tobacco products
Key factors for the increase of the illicit tobacco
products trade:
• The substantial increase in taxation
• The economic downturn due to the ongoing crisis
• The social tolerance
• The overall merging of operational capabilities of
regional Balkan criminal groups
8
9. Smuggling of tobacco products
• 2013: the higher percentage of total
tax (excise and VAT) /corresponding
increases in cigarette prices.
• 2013: Greece displays the largest
increase in the EU (+ 26%) in tobacco
smuggling.
9
10. General Secretariat of Public Revenue
Special Strategic Plans
• 2015 Annual Report of the General Secretariat of
Public Revenue (GGDE), of the Hellenic Ministry
of Finance
• special strategic plans
• comprehensive strategic approach at national
level
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12. Seizures by competent Authority
(2014 / Greece – total total/Source: Hellenic Police, 2014 Annual Report for Serious
& Organized Crime in Greece)
Hellenic Sea Guard 28,38%
Police, 7.77%
Economi
Crime Unti ;
6,49%
Customs, 56.85%
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13. Smuggling of cigarettes - seizures
• 2015: 630.801.892 cigarettes were
seized. Total amount of evaded duties
and taxes 114.544.017 euros.
• 2014: 428.802.919 cigarettes were
seized. Total amount of evaded duties
and taxes 75.741.023 euros.
47,1% increase in cigarettes seized in
2015, compared to 2014
13
14. Συντονιστική Υπηρεσία Καταπολέμησης της Απάτης - AFCOS
Seizures of tobacco products in Ε.U. (source : OLAF)
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2015: 1η rank
2014: 3η rank
2013: 2η rank
2012: 4η rank
2011: 1η rank
2010: 3η rank
2009: 6η rank
15. General Secretariat Against Corruption
• The fight against corruption, is one of the main
priorities of the Greek Government.
• The General Secretariat Against Corruption
(GSAC) was established according to article 6 of
Law 4320/2015 (Gov. Gaz. A' 29/19-03-2015).
• The General Secretariat Against Corruption-
GSAC has also been designated as the national
anti-fraud coordination service-AFCOS, as
foreseen in par. 1b of article 7 of law 4320/2015.
15
16. General Secretariat Against Corruption
To resolve conflicts
to remove overlapping responsibilities
to enhance the coordination of the competent
domestic Services and Agencies
to promote the effectiveness of their actions
to ensure cooperation with OLAF
16
17. General Secretariat Against Corruption
Inter-Institutional cooperation concerns the
following audit and law enforcement authorities:
• Financial & Economic Crime Unit-S.D.O.E.
• Hellenic Police Services, including Economic Police
Directorate & Internal Affairs Directorate
• Customs
• Coast Guard
• State Auditors
• Internal Audit Services & Units
• Administrative Control Authorities
17
18. Cigarettes seizures in Greece –
cooperation between GSAC and OLAF
SEIZURES OF CIGARETTES
Custom service: October 2015 until April 2016 seized 11 containers
with illicit cigarettes.
Total number of seized cigarettes : 125.570.000.
Total amount of evaded duties and taxies was €23.119.841,18.
All these containers and cigarettes reached Greece from outside the
EU.
Cooperation: Custom Service with the Financial and Economic Crime
Unit (SDOE) of the Hellenic Ministry of Finance, seizures of
Coordination : General Secretariat against – AFCOS.
18
19. General Secretariat against Corruption - AFCOS
INFORMATION FLOW
19
OLAF
AFCOS
Customs, Units for Economic
Crime (SDOE, Financial Police),
Hellenic Coast Guard
20. OLAF Press Release – 05/02/2016
‘’The Aegean Sea was the target of two of OLAF's
biggest operations this season. Thanks to the
close cooperation with the Greek General
Secretariat against corruption (AFCOS Greece),
Greek and Cypriot customs, 33 million cigarettes,
were seized at the end of January. An additional
seizure of almost 21 million cigarettes had already
taken place at the Port of Piraeus, bringing the
total number of seized cigarettes in Greece in the
course of these 2 recent investigations to over 55
million.’’
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21. Cigarettes seizure – Customs in cooperation with SDOE –
2016
Source: General Secretariat Against Corruption
21
22. Cigarettes seizure – Customs in cooperation with SDOE –
2016
Source: General Secretariat Against Corruption
22
23. Cigarettes seizure – Customs – 2015
Source: General Secretariat Against Corruption
23
24. Cigarettes seizure – Customs – 2015
Source: General Secretariat Against Corruption
24
25. Steps to be taken
• Foster collective action
• Increase penalties and fines, to deter
trafficking and illicit trade
• Multi-stakeholder approach
• Promote integrity and anti-corruption
25
26. General Secretariat Against Corruption
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!
Contact details:
Fragkoudi 11 & Al. Pantou
Kallithea 17671, Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 9098701
Fax: +30 210 9098741
E-mail: gsecretariat@gsac.gov.gr
http://www.gsac.gov.gr
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