Authorities Allege $40 Million Tax Fraud

THREE companies that importceramic floor tiling from Spain havebeen accused of committing tax fraud inCosta Rica to the tune of $40 million bychanging the values of receipts, PublicFinance Minister Federico Carrilloannounced Dec. 3.Carrillo said in a press conference thealleged fraud has been going on for fouryears, as proven in a Spanish policeinvestigation that compared the compromisedreceipts with those handed over bythe Spanish exporters.Carrillo didn’t reveal the names of thebusiness owners involved, but said theproof “is decisive” and formal accusationshave been filed with theProsecutor’s Office.“This investigation is part of the government’sefforts to stop tax evasion inthe country,” Carrillo said.Public and business sources estimatethat $400 million in taxes are evaded inCosta Rica.