Dutch retailer suspected of fraud for smuggling hundreds of e-bikes from China
Dutch e-bike retailer LaCros is under investigation for allegedly smuggling electric bicycles from China to evade European import duties. The Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) raided the company’s premises and a private residence in Noord-Brabant on Tuesday, seizing financial records, data storage devices, cash, designer jewelry, handbags, and a vehicle. The company’s owners are suspected of submitting fraudulent customs declarations and money laundering.
The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Rotterdam, was launched after a report to the European authorities. According to the FIOD, at least 25 containers filled with e-bikes were smuggled into the European Union through Poland, bypassing antidumping duties and compensatory tariffs that can amount to 80 percent of the purchase price.
LaCros owner Ton van den Oetelaar denies any involvement in illegal imports. “Until today, I didn’t even know what I was being accused of,” he told Omroep Brabant. According to Van den Oetelaar, the company designs its bicycles but outsources assembly.
“We manufacture in Portugal, but due to high demand, we sometimes use other facilities. During Covid-19, we turned to a manufacturer in Poland. We assumed everything was in order, but now we’re told something went wrong with customs clearance there.”
Under EU regulations, imported goods from outside the bloc, including China, must be properly declared and is subject to import duties. The investigation suggests that in Poland, customs declarations were falsely filed, allowing the e-bikes to enter the EU without the required fees.
Van den Oetelaar argues that his company is being unfairly targeted. “We sell e-bikes for 2,000 euros and don’t make huge profits. Meanwhile, other companies are offering fatbikes for 800 euros without any issue. It’s completely unjust.”
The EPPO estimates that the scheme cost the European Union at least 1.8 million euros in unpaid duties.
