One of Europe’s largest road transport and logistics companies, Girteka Group, is facing a major tax dispute in Norway. The Norwegian Tax Administration has issued claims totaling approximately €4.2 million, alleging that one of the group’s subsidiaries incorrectly calculated and paid social security contributions between 2018 and 2023.
Girteka strongly disputes the assessment and has formally appealed the decision. The final ruling will be made by the Norwegian Tax Appeals Board.
Girteka Challenges the Tax Assessment
According to the company, the dispute stems from differing interpretations of the applicable social security contribution rate for one of its subsidiaries operating in northern Norway.
Girteka maintains that it has comprehensive documentation proving that all contributions were calculated and paid correctly.
“We believe the contributions were calculated and paid in full compliance with all applicable requirements. The company conducted genuine business operations in northern Norway and has provided supporting evidence. Therefore, we believe our position in this dispute is fully justified…”
— Girteka Group
The company stated that the case was initiated in October last year, but the appeals process could take several years, with a final decision expected no earlier than the end of 2027.
One of Europe’s Largest Transport Companies
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Girteka remains one of Europe’s leading international road freight operators.
The group currently operates a fleet of approximately 6,500 tractor units and 7,000 semi-trailers, transporting around 800,000 shipments annually across Europe.
Girteka also controls around 50 companies operating in road transport, freight forwarding, trade, vehicle maintenance, and real estate across 11 countries, employing nearly 12,000 people.
The company’s latest financial results indicate signs of recovery after a challenging period for the European freight market. Last year, Girteka reduced its net loss by more than half to €12.41 million, while consolidated revenue declined by 9% to €1.31 billion.
The Norwegian tax dispute is not the only legal case involving the company. Earlier, a court in the Danish city of Sønderborg ordered Girteka owners Mindaugas Raila and Edvardas Liachovičius to personally appear in court to testify in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by a former employee of Thermo-Transit Danmark. That case has been pending since 2022.
Industry analysts note that tax disputes involving multinational transport companies have become increasingly common as logistics operators expand across multiple European jurisdictions. Differences in national tax regulations and social security rules continue to create legal uncertainty for companies operating internationally.
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