But our market is very different from that of CO2

The debate on the scope and extent of fraud in France VAT on products ignites energy. Statements of Europol, the coordinating body of the European policies, referring to an interest of fraudsters VAT for the markets the electricity and gas to the Continent have provided a first element of discussion. "Les echos" interviewed on this subject Jean-François Conil-Lacoste, the Director General of Epex Spot, the Franco-German Fellowship, electricity, also President of EuroPEX, the association that brings together the European energy markets.

Have you noted fraud and VAT fraud attempts on your market

We have not found fraud in VAT on Epex Spot so far. On the other hand, attempts he is in had the last few months, including gas. Epex Spot has been the subject of many approaches since the France changed, in June 2009, the tax system applicable to transactions on the market of CO2 emission rights.

In recent weeks the telephone calls to our commercial services of unlikely candidates for trading on our place has declined considerably. No doubt a consequence of the requirements of our own procedures for membership and the judicial and police initiatives taken at European level to combat this type of fraud.

How you detect fraudsters apprentices

The contents of telephone calls first and foremost. Some applicants were interviewed us at the outset on the regime applicable VAT, other spoke to us of quotas for electricity, as for CO2, or had obviously no idea of the constraints of physical delivery. For the anecdote, the site of one of these applicants referred to rental cars to sport in Monaco. It must be understood that, behind organized gangs, there is a wildlife area of dilettantes who try to imitate the VAT fraud professionals. But our market is very different from that of CO2. Our lines of defence are much stronger.

Can you clarify

French registry of CO2 has approximately 2,000 enrolled including dozens of companies. The presentation of a simple identity card was sufficient to register. Intervene on Epex Spot to be "responsible for balance" ten or a German Network Manager. Only 133 professional members are identified with ten. In addition, our spot market is not a continuous market. It is organized around a daily auction, late morning, for physical delivery the next day. Members must also be certified with a clearing house online or via a bank compensatory member...

Finally, our client candidates must complete a detailed questionnaire based on 40 different criteria ("Know Your Customer") on the nature of their activities and demanding precisely give the reasons for the interest in electricity.

There is therefore not faults

I did not say that our device is infallible. On the other hand, I think that it is difficult to circumvent. In electricity, the stock market is not the only channel through which could infiltrate the fraudsters to the tax authorities. The OTC market is probably less deterrent access, but in all cases the required path is to be recognized by a manager of transport network as head of balance.

How did you react to the warning of Europol

The battle against fraud is complicated and cannot be conducted only at European level. A unified tax system does not yet exist in Europe. Some countries have not adopted the plan of the reverse charge of VAT on CO2, that should be extended to all intangible property. Discussions are underway in Brussels on the VAT regime applicable to the electricity and gas. The conclusions of the last forum in Florence, which was held on 10 and 11 December in Rome, a bi-annual event that brings together all the stakeholders of the electricity market under the auspices of the European Commission, formally took note of the message of Europol. How to recall should not relax and that the danger is real.