www.antena3.ro/actualitate/mai-multi-romani-sunt-a

Romanian police and prosecutors are conducting 21 searches across several counties related to a scheme where citizens allegedly hacked the UK tax authority's online platform to fraudulently claim tax refunds. The total damage exceeds £1.7 million. The investigation is led by the Romanian Prosecutor's Office with support from UK authorities and EUROJUST, involving British investigators. Between January 2024 and February 2026, suspects accessed the HMRC system, submitted false VAT refund requests, and altered bank account details to redirect funds. A total of 89 fraudulent claims were made, with 30 approved, resulting in significant financial losses. The case involves illegal access to computer systems, ongoing fraud, and money laundering. The searches aim to gather evidence and identify assets for recovering the losses.