Fraudulent Scheme to Import 48 Tons of Meat Uncovered in Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia – A large-scale fraudulent scheme involving the illegal import of 48,000 kg (48 tons) of meat products into Armenia has been uncovered, according to the Investigative Committee of Armenia. The investigation, conducted by the Avan and Nor Nork administrative districts’ investigative department of the Yerevan City Investigative Division, revealed that a company imported meat products not included in its license.
How the Fraudulent Scheme Operated
The company, with the alleged assistance of a customs brokerage firm, prepared and submitted distorted declarations to the tax authorities. This allowed them to pay a customs duty of 25% instead of the legally required 80% for the imported goods.
Significant Tax Evasion and Full Restitution
As a result of this scheme, the company evaded paying taxes and duties to the state budget amounting to 13,894,935 AMD. The Investigative Committee stated that the damage caused to the state has been fully recovered during the preliminary investigation.
Note: A person accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedure established by the Criminal Procedure Code, by a court verdict that has entered into legal force.
Source: Investigative Committee of Armenia