Italian prosecutors have requested criminal trials for Amazon and four of its executives over allegations of tax evasion totaling approximately $1.4 billion, according to Reuters reporting.

The criminal case represents an escalation of Italy's efforts to collect taxes from multinational technology companies operating within its borders. Prosecutors are seeking to hold both the company and individual executives accountable for the alleged tax avoidance scheme.

Details about the specific nature of the alleged tax evasion or the timeframe involved were not immediately available. The four executives named in the prosecution request were not identified in the initial reporting.

Amazon has faced similar tax disputes with European authorities in recent years as governments have sought to ensure multinational corporations pay appropriate taxes on revenues generated within their jurisdictions. The company has previously contested such allegations while maintaining its compliance with applicable tax laws.

The Italian case adds to ongoing regulatory and tax challenges facing major U.S. technology companies operating in Europe. The outcome could influence how other European nations approach similar tax enforcement actions against multinational corporations.