VAT Department investigation: six workers suspended

The government has suspended six employees of the VAT Department as the investigation into suspected fraud continues.

The suspension took effect yesterday.

The investigations are being carried out at the request of the Finance Ministry.

The Sunday Times reported last Sunday that millions of euros are believed to have been lost as a result of fraudulent practices going back a number of years.

The fraudulent practices were apparently orchestrated by a criminal network made up of a number of VAT Department employees in collusion with businessmen Intermediaries were also involved.