Norwegian authorities have launched coordinated raids nationwide in a major tax fraud case. The National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime is leading the operation.
Police are investigating suspected abuse of Norway's SkatteFUNN tax incentive scheme. This program allows businesses tax deductions for approved research and development projects.
Authorities suspect companies collectively evaded approximately 30 million Norwegian kroner ($2.8 million) in taxes.
Police Attorney Anne Line Grøstad stated the investigation targets multiple businesses. "The SkatteFUNN scheme is trust-based and we take abuse of such schemes very seriously," she said.
Investigators will determine whether the suspected fraud was organized and carried out collectively. The potential tax evasion occurred through various methods.
At the core is suspected false information provided to tax authorities. This allegedly led to improper financial support being granted.
Grøstad noted the investigation remains in early stages. "We will carry out several investigative steps going forward," she confirmed.
Four detained individuals have been released. Police no longer considered sufficient evidence existed to keep them in custody.
The cases fall under Ăkokrim's Tax Crime Project, which receives resources from both tax authorities and police districts. The project currently handles over 100 reported cases.
Chief Public Prosecutor Petter Nordeng emphasized the scale. "Many cases in the project, including these, involve very substantial amounts," he stated.
The investigation highlights ongoing challenges with tax incentive programs. When systems rely heavily on self-reporting, they remain vulnerable to coordinated exploitation.
Norway's tax crime unit continues expanding its efforts against financial fraud. The specialized team combines expertise from multiple government agencies.