Inspectors from Romania’s General Directorate for Anti-Fiscal Fraud (DGAF) have identified a suspected tax fraud amounting to RON 26.4m.
The case is linked to the unlicensed online streaming of MMA tournaments through platforms that also promoted betting and casino activities. Criminal prosecution authorities will be notified as part of further action in the case.
The National Tax Administration Agency (ANAF) noted that a complex tax evasion scheme had been built around what appeared to be legitimate online broadcasts of mixed martial arts events. The company offered monthly subscriptions and access codes to watch MMA fights through online streaming platforms, building an average monthly subscriber base of more than 30,000 paying users without declaring this revenue in its accounts.
The investigation also uncovered a second element of the alleged fraud involving undeclared income generated through affiliations with other activities, including event organisation and gambling. These activities were carried out by a group of three companies controlled by the same associates.
Through this arrangement, the audience attracted by the MMA broadcasts was directed towards betting platforms and online casinos, with companies involved avoiding paying certain tax obligations.
By combining all undeclared income identified during the investigation, inspectors calculated that the damage caused to the state budget amounted to RON 26.36m.
Commenting on the case ANAF official statement reads: "Given the circumstances in which the facts found were committed, ANAF will notify the specialised criminal investigation bodies.
"Verifications of revenues obtained from the online distribution of multimedia content will continue to ensure a fair business environment, prevent and combat tax evasion, and protect honest taxpayers from unfair competition from those who violate the
ONJN, the Romanian regulator, recently launched a public consultation aimed at strengthening requirements for online operators
