Danish Tax Agency Faces Investigation Over Wrongful Identity Theft Tax Claims

Denmark’s Parliamentary Ombudsman is demanding answers from the Danish Tax Agency. The agency wrongly chased victims of identity theft for millions in unpaid taxes.

Ombudsman Christian Britten Lundblad stated that the tax authority failed to address key concerns. He requested a formal statement following a complaint from a citizen's lawyer.

The case involves 126 people linked to money transfers across five businesses. The tax agency began investigating these transfers in 2021.

In June, an investigation by TV 2 revealed severe errors. Innocent citizens faced huge tax bills due to identity theft linked to money laundering.

The agency later admitted it should have acted in 2023. Police had warned officials about widespread identity theft that year.

Tax Agency Director Thomas Hjortenberg apologized in August. He acknowledged that the errors caused major personal problems for victims.

The ombudsman now wants to see what data the agency held before issuing tax bills. He also wants proof that evidence supported claims from money transfer firms.

The Danish Tax Agency must submit its response by November 7.