Authorities Crack Down on ‘Shadow Economy’ and Seize $64K of Illegal Wine
Irish authorities siezed a vessel transporting $64,000 of illegal wine. (Photo: Maximilian Schönherr/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)
Sunday World reported on Saturday that €59,200 ($64,294) of illegal wine was seized at a port in Wexford, Ireland by local authorities. The total amount of wine added up to 4,860 liters.
A ferry from Cherbourg, France was apprehended at the port and searched, and Europort authorities discovered the haul of red wine labeled Doppio Passo Primitivo Rosso 2022. Primitivo is a species of grape that is virtually identical to Zinfandel, and typically yields fruity and lush wines.
The Drinks Business reported that the driver was questioned by Irish Tax and Customs.
The most recent seizure is just another example of government authorities attempting to stop “shadow economy activity,” according to the outlet.
Shadow economic activity can run the gamut. The Treasury of the Australian Government claims the umbrella term can be used to describe operations like money laundering or businesses deliberately liquidating to avoid paying employees and lenders.
More common instances of shadow economic activity within the liquor world involve wholesalers selling goods without paying proper taxes and following regulatory protocols.
Some of the more recent examples of shadow economic activity include parallel imports — or the grey market, which has become a popular discussion topic in light of the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
After the conflict began in February 2022, many major spirits conglomerates, like Pernod Ricard, ceased business operations with the country.
Russia’s usage of the grey market has allowed the country to import popular beverage brands, like Guinness, into the country during the war in Ukraine, despite major spirits brands boycotting liquor sales to the country.
Read Next:
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