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ARTICLE · 03 FEBRUARY 2025

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Expanding Criminal Tax Enforcement And Other White-collar Crime Developments

A&O Shearman
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Criminal tax matters were the main focus for the German Public Prosecution Offices in 2024. Large-scale criminal investigation proceedings were launched...

GermanyCriminal Law
Wolf Bussian
Wolf Bussian
Jan Erik Windthorst
Jan Erik Windthorst
Tim Nikolas Müller
Tim Nikolas Müller
David Schmid
David Schmid
Jasmin Hense
Jasmin Hense
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Criminal tax matters were the main focus for the German Public Prosecution Offices in 2024. Large-scale criminal investigation proceedings were launched into the suspected evasion of corporate, trade, capital gains, and value-added taxes.

Prosecuting violations of EU sanctions against Russia has been another priority. According to media reports, more than 1,400 criminal investigation proceedings into alleged sanctions breaches are pending across the country.

The diesel emissions scandal enforcement continues, and in 2024 has resulted in a large corporate administrative fine against a German automotive supplier and public criminal trials against former executives of a car manufacturer.

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