The State Revenue Committee Uncovers Another Case of Illegal Online Trade

The State Revenue Committee's Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department has identified new cases of illegal trade conducted via the internet. According to the Committee, this time operational staff have uncovered attempts at the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

Specifically, the sale of vodka listed on List.am raised suspicions among the Investigation and Operational Intelligence Department employees. According to information from the Committee's Information and Public Relations Department, operational measures termed "controlled supply and purchase" were implemented against the user "AABBCC" on the List.am internet site, within which various types of alcoholic beverages worth 177,000 AMD were purchased — totaling 62 bottles. The prices of the beverages in question and the information about the business entity raised doubts, as well as markings of the seller's supply address.

Research into the excise stamps on the vodka bottles revealed that they bore incomplete excise stamps, indicating that they had been cut and divided into two parts. This method of stamping allows for the repeated use of excise stamps. A thorough examination of this entire batch of vodka will be carried out.

Moreover, as a result of the operational measures taken, it has been established that the individual selling the vodka conducted commercial activities without the legally required state registration or tax authority registration, which simultaneously incurs liability under Article 407 of the Tax Code.

The department's personnel also uncovered a case of illegal tobacco sales. As part of operational measures carried out against an individual operating through List.am, a controlled purchase resulted in the acquisition of 1,200 boxes of various types of cigarettes imported from the Islamic Republic of Iran, valued at a total of 260,000 AMD, and lacking excise stamps.

The results of these measures revealed that this individual, too, was engaged in commercial activities without the legally required state registration or tax authority registration, which results in liability under Article 407 of the Tax Code.

The department is consistent in its efforts not only to uncover such criminal mechanisms and their organizers but also to prevent attempts at violations. It is evident that such breaches cannot remain in the shadows for long.

The State Revenue Committee urges business entities to operate strictly within the law, to avoid fraud and deception, while also warning that any concealment of taxable subjects with the intent of avoiding tax payments will be penalized to the full extent of the law.