Italian prosecutors still investigating Amazon over taxes

Milan prosecutors are investigating an Italian unit of Amazon for suspected tax evasion. This new inquiry is separate from the recent multi-million euro seizure from another Amazon unit. Earlier this week, Italy’s tax police seized €121 million from Amazon as part of a different investigation into tax fraud and illegal labour practices.

The current investigation in Italy began in 2021 following routine checks by tax police in an area north of Milan. It focuses on tax rules concerning the trading of goods within Italy and internationally, particularly value added taxes and customs duties. The potential size of the tax evasion has not yet been determined.

Over the past few years, Italian tax authorities and tax police in Monza, near Milan, have been conducting checks on Amazon’s accounts in Italy. Amazon has not yet commented on the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are scrutinising Amazon’s compliance with tax regulations as part of their broader efforts to tackle tax evasion. This investigation highlights the increasing focus on multinational companies’ tax practices in Italy.