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Numerous cases of fraud in Styrian ski resorts

Illegal employment, wage and social dumping and manipulation of cash registers. Numerous violations were discovered in the course of priority checks in hotels, restaurants and ski schools in Styria and Carinthia. Around 75,000 euros in tax debts were collected. 

In February and March, 76 financial police officers inspected 216 businesses in the ski resorts of Turracherhöhe, Katschberg, Klippitztörl in Carinthia and Reiteralm and Lachtal in Styria in four main campaigns. Almost every second business turned out to be non-compliant. There were around 103 charges for illegal employment, ten criminal charges for illegal employment of foreigners and two more for fraud in connection with the receipt of unemployment benefits.

In 42 cases, there were violations of the Working Hours Act, and twelve cases were reported under the Wage and Social Dumping Act. In a further 42 cases, the financial police reported serious violations of the cash register obligation to the financial criminal authority. Some businesses had manipulated the cash register systems, while others did not even have a cash register. In addition, a total of 74,936 euros in tax debts were collected. All businesses affected must now expect to pay high fines. A total of 211 charges were filed. 

"The financial police are fighting vigorously against illegal employment, tax fraud and tax evasion. Regular priority checks such as these are crucial in order to guarantee fair competitive conditions, protect employees and ensure compliance with legal provisions," emphasized Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP).