Customs Bust Shisha Bar in Tax Evasion Case
Customs officials in Heinsberg have uncovered a suspected tax evasion case involving a shisha bar. An anonymous tip led to a tax inspection, revealing a significant amount of untaxed tobacco products, including e-vapes and water pipe tobacco, weighing nearly 50 kg and containing approximately 16,000 milliliters of liquid. The investigation began with an anonymous tip about a shisha bar in the Heinsberg district. Customs officers observed a man locking a van and entering the bar. Upon searching the van, they discovered a substantial quantity of untaxed tobacco products, including e-vapes and water pipe tobacco, weighing nearly 50 kg and containing approximately 16,000 milliliters of liquid. Inside the bar, only taxed tobacco products were found. The 45-year-old owner initially denied access to the van. However, a vehicle registration check confirmed the van belonged to him. Further inspection of the van revealed more untaxed tobacco products, leading to criminal proceedings against the owner and his 34-year-old employee for suspected tax evasion and receiving stolen goods in connection with suspected violations of the Tobacco Tax Act. The Aachen District Court issued a search warrant for the bar and the seizure of the van. The discovery of untaxed tobacco products has resulted in criminal proceedings against the bar owner and his employee. Customs continues to investigate the case.
