Damaged US cars at the centre of Germany’s €90 million fraud case

Nine suspects have been charged in Germany over a trade in severely damaged cars imported from the United States. According to reporting on the EPPO’s Nimmersatt investigation, the vehicles were given minimal repairs before being resold; prosecutors also raised concerns about buyers’ safety.

Investigation ongoingThe LedgersSource date · 14 September 2026

Damaged vehicles beside a shipping terminal — AI-generated editorial illustration

The record

The alleged fraud totals around €90 million. The reported figures include €15.1 million in customs duties and €49.6 million in import VAT. Freezing orders covered €33 million, but only about €2 million had been secured. The charges remain to be determined in court.

Based on reporting from: Agence Europe / EPPO.

Source documents

Agence Europe / EPPOagenceurope.eu

File updates

28 September 2026Status updated
Investigation ongoing
Editorial research status recorded.
15 September 2026First published
Report published

Editorial note

This account draws on the publications listed below, compiled on 15 September 2026. Later developments have not been checked.

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