State Revenue Committee Uncovers Illegal Online Trade Case

Recently, online trading platforms and their users have become increasingly active worldwide and in Armenia. Their illegal activities have not gone unnoticed by the State Revenue Committee’s Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department, as reported by the Committee's Information and Public Relations Division.

In particular, the behavior of a user on List.am, a classifieds website, raised suspicions among the employees of the department’s sectoral division number 3. Operations were initiated against the user "Gh Grup" under the "controlled supply and purchase" investigative measure, during which various types of alcoholic beverages were purchased totaling 360,000 AMD.

The selling prices of these drinks appeared dubious, and there was also a lack of information regarding the business entity, markings on the seller’s supply address, and more. An examination of the excise stamps on the vodkas and brandies revealed that the numbers assigned with the QR codes did not match the numbers printed on the respective stamps. The QR-code-verified excise stamps for "Beluga" vodka were attributed as stamps for "ABSOLUT" vodka of 0.5 liters, while the excise stamps for "Akhtamar" brandy were attributed as those for "Ararat 3*" brandy.

The investigation clearly indicated sufficient grounds for suspicion that the alcoholic beverages sold online were stamped with counterfeit excise stamps. Furthermore, the operational and investigative measures revealed that the user "Gh Grup" is a company that has been temporarily inactive since 2014.

It should be noted that such an offense incurs liability under the relevant articles of the criminal and tax codes of the Republic of Armenia. In particular, according to Article 207 of the RA Criminal Code, the preparation or sale of counterfeit wine or counterfeit vodka, or other counterfeit alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale is punishable by imprisonment for a period of one to three years, with a prohibition from occupying certain positions or engaging in certain activities for a period of one year.

The Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department urges business entities to operate strictly within the legal framework, avoid counterfeiting and fraud, while also warning that entities concealing taxable objects with the intention of not paying taxes will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Notice: A suspect or accused in an alleged crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia by a legally binding court ruling.