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Article: CIGARETTE MAKER ACCUSED OF EVADING TAXES Italy probing Philip Morris in fraud case
- Article from:
- The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI)
- Article date:
- July 6, 1996
CopyrightCopyright 1996 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Italian tax fraud experts were investigating claims Friday that
U.S. tobacco giant Philip Morris Co. Inc. took part in a $6.4
billion tax evasion scheme.
The case is being led by investigators in Naples but it could
spread to other cities in Italy as officials investigate the
company's business arrangements with distributors.
Naples prosecutors say Philip Morris unfairly took advantage of
lower tax rates reserved for companies without a direct Italian
subsidiary. They alleged that Intertaba, set up to distribute
Philip Morris brands, was not an independent franchise but was
controlled by the New York-based conglomerate.
Philip Morris, whose brands include Marlboro and Merit, holds 46% ...