The Minister of Growth Kostis Hatzidakis has organized a meeting with the Management Board of the District Association of Greece, in order to discuss combating illegal trade, increasing inspections for receipts and VAT, as well as the operation of stores on Sundays.
According to trade associations, illegal trade has increased significantly and become a problem in urban centers and tourist areas, after the Municipal Police was abolished.
The National Confederation of Greek Commerce (ESEE) has requested from District Commissioners to cooperate with the Ministry of Growth and the Illegal Trade Coordinating Center that was established in Attica last summer.
In 2012 the value of detained goods from illegal trade was 12 million euros, with the overall turnover estimated to be 20 to 25 billion euros, resulting in public revenue loses of over 5 billion euros.
