Italy Consumers Accuse McDonald's of Tax Evasion

Consumer associations in Italy have accused U.S. fast food giant McDonald's of tax evasion.

Three associations said Thursday they have filed a complaint to Italy's financial police about the alleged fraud by the company best known for burgers, chicken McNuggets and fries.

They claim that between 2009 and 2013, profits made by McDonald's in Italy appeared on the books of a Luxembourg company, resulting in a potential loss to the Italian state of some 224 million euros ($250 million) in tax.

The European Commission announced a review of McDonald's tax practices in May. In February, the American company was accused of wriggling out of paying over a billion euros in tax revenues in Europe between 2009 and 2013.

McDonald's Europe at the time said it respected European laws, including the payment of taxes.