The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has announced on Monday the seizure of more than 2,400 shipping containers at Greece’s port of Piraeus in what it described as the European Union’s largest-ever container operation, valued at least €250 million ($294 million).

The haul, made under the EU-wide Investigation Calypso, targeted criminal networks accused of importing goods from China while evading customs duties and value-added tax.

Six people, including two customs officers, have been charged in Athens over their alleged roles. Four of them have been in detention since June, while a customs broker was detained on Friday.

The containers, largely carrying e-bikes, textiles, and footwear, were intercepted after coordinated raids in late June across four countries, which also resulted in 10 arrests.

Preliminary checks revealed systematic misdeclaration and undervaluation of shipments. In some cases, only 10–15 per cent of the actual number of e-bikes in a container were declared. Losses to the EU budget from e-bikes alone are estimated at €37.5 million ($44.1 million), including VAT.

European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi said the operation delivered a clear warning to criminal groups. “The rules of the game have changed, no more safe havens for you,” she said.

According to prosecutors, the alleged fraud ran for at least eight years, costing more than €350 million ($411 million) in lost customs duties and €450 million ($529 million) in VAT. Authorities noted that since the June raids, importers have begun declaring goods at closer-to-market prices.

The office confirmed that further evidence gathering is underway.