ROMA (ITALPRESS) – A wide national counter to fraud in the wine sector, called “Vinum Mentitum”, has been conducted over the last year thanks to the collaboration between the ICQRF (Central Inspectorate Repressione Frodi) and the Nucleo Speciale Beni e Servizi della Guardia di Finanza. Investigative activity has led to the seizure of approximately 2.5 million litres of falsely certified wine such as DOP and IGP, for a market value greater than 4 million euros.
The survey resulted from a joint analysis of data flows between the two administrations, focused on the critical phases of the supply chain, from collection to bottling. The controls concerned the entire national territory, with the aim of repressing unlawful practices related to the false claim of the denominations of origin and the use of grapes and musts that do not comply with the disciplinary production or coming from areas other than those declared.
In the course of inspections, a number of discrepancies were found between the physical stocks of the product and the accounting results of the dematerialized register SIAN. Such anomalies have resulted in the dispute of 59 administrative violations, for a minimum levy of EUR 410.000, in addition to the issue of 11 difficulties for healthy irregularities. Overall, 24 subjects were reported to the competent administrative authorities.
The activity has generated parallel investigations of fiscal nature. The specialists of the Guardia di Finanza have found the omitted documentation of operations available for more than 280.000 euros and the omitted payment of VAT for approximately 800,000 euros. There were also violations of excise duties on wine and irregularities in submerged work.
The joint operation between ICQRF and Fiamme Gialle is part of the protection plan of Made in Italy and the geographical indications, aimed at ensuring fair competition on the market and the correctness of information for consumers.
“The results of the operation ‘Vinum Mentitum’ confirm the effectiveness of our control system in the protection of Italian excellence. The seizure of 2.5 million litres of wine, falsely certified DOP and IGP, is evidence that the synergy between Guardia di Finanza and ICQRF, and that between all bodies deputizing in coordination control in the direction Cabin, works in full regime to protect our Made in Italy. Those who try to pollute the market with false certificates, those who want to play not following the rules, do an act of unfair competition and this is not tolerated. Whoever follows the rules, who works honestly, knows that the State is on its side and protects the value of the reputation of the PGI built in years of hard work. Defending the Italian brand means protecting the work and quality of our territories. I thank the Yellow Flames and ICQRF inspectors for this extraordinary commitment to defend our excellence.” In a note the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida.
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-Photo press office Guardia di Finanza-
(ITALPRESS).
