Norwegian authorities have charged 16 people in a major tax fraud investigation. Four suspects were initially arrested but later released.
Police conducted raids at 15 locations across four police districts last week. The operation targeted serious tax evasion schemes.
Økokrim, Norway's economic crime unit, suspects businesses abused the Skattefunn tax incentive program. This government scheme provides tax deductions for research and development projects.
Investigators believe companies provided false information to the Norwegian Tax Administration. This allegedly led to improper awarding of Skattefunn support funds.
Police Attorney Anne Line Grøstad stated the investigation remains in early stages. More investigative steps are planned in coming weeks.
The case falls under Økokrim's Tax Crime Project, which began in November and runs for two years. The project currently handles over 100 reported cases, with nearly half already decided.
This investigation reveals ongoing challenges in monitoring tax incentive programs. The scale suggests coordinated efforts to exploit government support systems meant to stimulate business innovation.