Operation Calypso: How a €700 Million Fraud Scheme Flooded the E-Scooter Market
Are you wondering why some e-scooters and e-bikes online are drastically cheaper than those in official stores? The answer probably isn't a "special offer," but organized crime. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has uncovered one of the largest customs fraud schemes in EU history, dubbed Operation Calypso.
- 💰 €700 million in estimated damages to EU public finances.
- 💵 €5.8 million in seized cash.
- 🚲 10,800+ seized e-vehicles (7,133 bikes and 3,696 scooters).
- 🌍 14 countries involved in the raids (including Slovenia as a transit point).
What Actually Happened?
In mid-2025, the EPPO dismantled a network primarily led by Chinese criminal organizations. Their goal was simple: to import vast quantities of electronics from China into the EU without paying customs duties and VAT. This allowed them to sell goods at prices with which honest retailers cannot compete (EPPO, 2025).
The entry point was the port of Piraeus in Greece. There, the goods were intentionally misclassified or undervalued to evade import duties.
The Slovenian Connection: Phantom Companies
The most sophisticated part of the fraud involved exploiting the so-called Customs Procedure 42 (CP42). This procedure allows an importer to defer VAT payment if the goods are immediately dispatched to another EU Member State.
This is where Slovenia comes in. The criminals established fake ('shell') companies or stole the identities of existing companies in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. The paperwork stated that the e-scooters were destined for these companies. In reality, they never arrived in Slovenia—the goods disappeared into hidden warehouses in France, Italy, Spain, and Poland, where they were sold on the black market for cash (EPPO, 2025).
"On paper, Slovenia was the final destination for thousands of scooters that actually ended up on the black market in Western Europe. This way, they avoided paying VAT in both countries."
Why Is a 'Calypso' Scooter Dangerous for You?
It might sound like a problem for the tax authorities, but purchasing goods from this scheme has direct consequences for the consumer. The grey market carries risks that the low price cannot outweigh.
❌ 1. Zero Warranty
Because the products were imported outside of official channels (grey import), manufacturers do not honor their warranties. If the battery fails, you are on your own (Kurz Scribos, 2023).
🔥 2. Safety Risk
Many of the seized scooters lacked the proper EU certifications (CE). Batteries and chargers that are not tested according to European standards pose a serious fire hazard.
📩 3. Subsequent Costs
If you order from abroad and customs discovers that the goods are part of a fraud scheme or are undervalued, you could receive a hefty bill for VAT and customs duties, or the goods might even be seized and destroyed (European Commission, n.d.).
How to Recognize the Scam?
Operation Calypso teaches us an important lesson. Before you click 'Buy,' check the retailer.
🛡️ Safe Purchase Checklist
- ✅ Check the VAT number: Is the retailer registered in the VIES system?
- ✅ Price: Is the price more than 30% lower than average? This is a red flag.
- ✅ Location: Does the website claim to have an 'EU warehouse' but provides no company address?
- ✅ Invoice: Request an invoice with VAT before paying. Fraudsters often cannot issue one.
Conclusion
Operation Calypso is proof that global criminal organizations are actively targeting the micromobility market. As consumers in Slovenia, we need to be smarter. Supporting legitimate retailers isn't just about paying taxes—it's about buying safety, a warranty, and peace of mind.
Sources and References (APA)
- European Commission. (n.d.). Buying goods online from a non-EU country – consumer advice. Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union. Retrieved from taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office [EPPO]. (2025, June 26). Investigation “Calypso”: EPPO strikes criminal networks flooding EU with fraudulent Chinese imports. Retrieved from eppo.europa.eu
- EUToday. (2025, June 26). Operation “Calypso”: EU prosecutors dismantle €700 million fraud scheme involving Chinese imports. Retrieved from eutoday.net
- Kurz Scribos. (2023). The grey market – risks and countermeasures. Retrieved from kurz-scribos.com
