Google offices in Spain raided by the Hacienda over tax evasion suspicions

THE Hacienda have raided Google’s Madrid offices in connection with an inquiry into tax evasion and fraud.

Google said in a statement that it has complied with Spain’s tax legislation, as it does in all countries it operates in.

The raid is almost a month after authorities in France raided the search enging giant’s French headquarters.

A Madrid court approved the search following a request from Spanish tax authorities, who suspect the company of avoiding tax.

Following a string of European investigations, the firm is now facing pressure from the European Commission, and is planning to lodge an official complaint over alleged abuses of market power in connection with its online advertising and shopping business.