Ryanair embroiled in Italian investigation over taxes

on 16/10/2012 18:43:15

Low cost airline Ryanair today refused to comment on reports that two of its chiefs are under investigation in Italy over the company's tax affairs.

A prosecutor in the northern city of Bergamo is said to have opened an inquiry into claims that chief executive Michael O'Leary put 220 staff at Orio al Serio Airport on the books in Dublin so he could pay Irish tax rates, much lower than those in Italy.

Prosecutor Maria Mocciaro says that this cost the Italian tax authorities almost €12m.

Ryanair director of legal affairs Juliusz Komorek is also under investigation, the reports said.

A Ryanair spokesman said: "Ryanair does not comment on rumour or speculation and will continue to observe EU tax laws."