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European prosecutors are investigating a suspected operation that allegedly sold more than one million used phones as new across the EU. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) says the case, called Investigation Troja, involves estimated consumer damage of at least €300 million and estimated VAT losses of more than €30 million. These are allegations in an ongoing investigation, not findings of guilt.
What investigators say happened
In an announcement dated 29 September 2026, the EPPO said its Cologne office had been investigating a criminal organisation suspected of selling used mobile phones as new. According to the EPPO, used components were assembled into phones in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, then cleaned, packaged as new and shipped to the Netherlands. The phones were allegedly moved to warehouses in Germany and sold through online marketplaces to customers across the EU. EPPO announcement
The EPPO says shell companies based in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland allegedly used the VAT margin scheme from 2018. The investigation began after a report from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Europol, Eurojust and national authorities were among the partners involved.
Scale of the operation and alleged losses
The following figures are the EPPO’s account of the operation and its estimates:
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- More than one million phones were allegedly sold as new despite being used.
- At least €300 million in consumer damage is estimated.
- More than €30 million in VAT losses to several EU member states is estimated.
- More than 160 searches and seizures took place in 19 countries, involving 1,770 police, tax and customs officers.
- Seven people were arrested in Austria, Germany and Spain, including the two alleged leaders.
Why VAT is part of the investigation
The EPPO says the companies allegedly applied the VAT margin scheme to the phones. Under that scheme, qualifying resellers of goods on which VAT has already been paid account for VAT on their profit margin rather than the full resale price. The EPPO’s allegation is that the phones were sold as new, so VAT was due on the full price. This describes the tax mechanism prosecutors say was involved in this case; it is not individualized tax advice.
What this means for phone buyers
The announcement does not identify a list of affected consumers, name particular phone models or retailers, or establish an individual compensation process. A buyer who believes a phone was advertised as new but was used can contact the trader who sold it and explain the discrepancy. Keep the listing or advertisement, receipt, seller messages and clear records of the phone’s condition.
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EU guidance says goods bought new from a trader have a minimum two-year legal guarantee if they turn out to be faulty. It advises consumers with a problem to contact the seller first. That guarantee is not an automatic promise of compensation for every buyer connected to this investigation; remedies depend on the circumstances and relevant national rules. Your Europe: guarantees and returns
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The case is still under investigation
The EPPO’s announcement describes suspicions and operational steps, not a court judgment. As the EPPO states: “All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent courts of law.” Details, suspect status and estimates may change as the investigation proceeds.
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