The move signals a shift from the tax authority’s typical approach, as prosecutors continue the probe and seek a trial rather than closing the case.

Amazon did not immediately comment on the development.

Historically, similar actions against other international groups were closed after settlements or plea deals once tax obligations were resolved; this case proceeds with a criminal investigation.

The request contrasts with past treatments where tax disputes with global firms often ended with settlements that dropped criminal charges.

Separately, Italy’s privacy watchdog ordered a Rome-area Amazon unit to stop using the personal data of more than 1,800 employees at a warehouse near Rome.

The outcome could have major implications for Amazon’s European operations and its legal exposure in Italy.

Prosecutors in Milan have requested a trial for Amazon, its European unit Amazon EU Sarl, and four executives on charges of roughly 1.2 billion euros in VAT tax evasion tied to online Italian sales between 2019 and 2021.

This marks an unprecedented move in Italy, as prosecutors pursue criminal charges even after a December settlement with the Italian Revenue Agency that saw Amazon pay about 527 million euros to resolve the dispute.

Under Italian law, an intermediary selling in Italy can be jointly liable for unpaid VAT by non-EU sellers on its platform, forming the basis of the alleged evasion.

A judge will set a date for a preliminary hearing to decide whether to indict the defendants or dismiss the case, with Amazon declining to comment and saying it will vigorously defend its position.

The prosecutors named the Italian Economy Ministry as the offended party in the trial request, and the preliminary hearing will determine indictment or dismissal.