OLAF report flags e-bike misclassification in €597m fraud recovery case

OLAF's 2025 report highlights 865,000 e-bikes misclassified, recommending €597m recovery.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has published its 2025 report, which recommends the recovery of €597 million from fraud and irregularities. Among the most prominent cases is the misclassification of 865,000 e-bikes, a figure that underscores the scale of customs fraud affecting the sector.

The report details a major raid coordinated by OLAF and The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which took place in Greece. The operation targeted the misclassification of e-bikes, a practice that can result in lower duty rates and underpaid import taxes, distorting competition for compliant importers.

For European dealers and distributors, this case highlights the importance of verifying the customs classification of e-bike imports. Misclassification can lead to retrospective duty assessments, penalties, and supply chain delays, particularly if authorities tighten enforcement following the report's recommendations.

The recovery amount of €597 million across all fraud cases signals that customs authorities are actively pursuing irregularities. E-bike importers should review their own tariff classifications and documentation to ensure compliance, as similar cases may emerge across other member states.