Italian justice decided to confiscate 779 million euros from the short-term rental company Airbnb, which allegedly did not pay taxes corresponding to this amount during the period 2017-2021.

According to the Milan prosecutor’s office, the company’s customers paid 3,711,685,297 euros during the specific time period, but the due taxes have not been paid to the Italian government.

The investigation was undertaken by the economic police of the Italian co-capital and the seizure order was signed by a judge in charge of preliminary investigations.

The intended taxation so far in Italy corresponded to 21% of short-term rental, while from next year, the Meloni government – according to the draft state budget – will increase this percentage to 26%.

The confiscation orderas broadcast by Italian public television Rai, concerns Airbnb Ireland Unlimited Company accounts.

According to the Milan prosecutor’s office, “the Court of the European Union, but also the Council of State of Italy have confirmed in the past that the company is obliged to pay the specific tax”.

Finally, in her statement, the company emphasized that it “considers that it acted with respect to the law” and that “a dialogue is underway with the Italian tax authorities” during which it will “ask that her rights be respected”.