The investigation was launched following an anonymous tip-off, which led to inspections of 33 trucks operated by a transport company in the Tyrol region of Austria. According to a statement from the Austrian Ministry of Finance, the financial police uncovered a number of serious irregularities. Drivers had allegedly used multiple tachograph cards to hide breaches of mandatory rest periods and maximum driving times.
“Tired drivers on the road pose a serious safety risk. Thanks to the decisive action of the financial police and law enforcement agencies, a major case of tachograph fraud has been uncovered. This sends a clear message: safety comes first – and those who break the rules will face the consequences. I would like to thank the financial police and law enforcement for their vital work,” said Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance.
Counterfeit cards and unreported employment
An analysis of tachograph data revealed that the company had either failed to register drivers for social insurance or had done so incorrectly. As a result, the financial police filed 24 reports of incorrect driver registration.
That wasn’t all – eight breaches of the Unemployment Insurance Act were also identified, as the drivers had not declared their employment to the public employment service. The Social Security Fraud Task Force is investigating the case on suspicion of fraud. Authorities believe benefit fraud may also have occurred. Furthermore, two criminal proceedings have been launched under the Employment of Foreigners Act, as British and Turkish drivers were found to be working without valid permits.
Threat of licence withdrawal and €80,000 fine
The district authorities in Innsbruck have already issued an administrative fine of approximately €80,000. The case is considered particularly serious.
In total, 107 breaches of drivers’ working time regulations have been recorded, alongside 10 criminal charges, including document and evidence falsification. In six cases, the illegal use of multiple tachograph cards by a single individual was proven, according to the Ministry of Finance.
