The State Revenue Committee Reveals Cases of Counterfeit Alcohol and Tobacco Products

Counterfeit alcoholic beverages and tobacco products bearing fake excise stamps have been discovered in the Armenian market. According to the State Revenue Committee (SRC), operational information was received regarding suspicious alcoholic beverages and tobacco products circulating within the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

In December 2025, the SRC's investigation and operational-intelligence department, within the framework of its functions, developed and implemented extensive operational measures in cooperation with personnel from the Internal Security and Fight Against Smuggling Department to uncover criminal schemes in the production and sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

As a result of these comprehensive operational measures, 844 bottles of counterfeit alcoholic beverages clearly marked with fake excise stamps and identification marks were found in circulation along with 46,720 boxes of various types of tobacco products and 372 electronic cigarettes.

Additionally, during the pre-holiday days, the SRC's investigation and operational-intelligence department examined sales announcements for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products on social media, following which relevant operational activities were undertaken. Cases of illegal entrepreneurial activity were identified by 7 individuals who sold alcoholic beverages without excise stamps and identification marks. Relevant reports were compiled regarding these violations and administrative proceedings were initiated.

In approximately ten recorded cases, materials collected are currently under analysis and study at the SRC's investigation and operational-intelligence department, after which reports will be submitted to the Investigative Committee of Armenia based on the relevant articles of the Armenian Criminal Code indicating elements of a crime.

The State Revenue Committee urges all sellers of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products to sell items marked for excise duty strictly in accordance with legislative procedures and to refrain from intentions of illegal activities, especially attempts to conduct business through criminal methods aimed at avoiding tax payments.

Wholesalers are encouraged not to buy or sell alcoholic beverages and tobacco products of unknown origin or at prices significantly lower than the market rate. During purchases, it is essential to require accounting documents from suppliers. It is important for consumers to pay attention to the prices of such beverages and tobacco products before buying them at sales points, to scan identification marks using the E-MARK application to ensure that the products are legitimate and not of unknown origin.

The SRC's investigation and operational-intelligence department continues to undertake the necessary measures not only to uncover committed crimes but also to prevent them. This includes withdrawing entire batches of counterfeit products sold below cost and market prices from circulation. It should be noted that during the implemented measures, all discovered batches have been removed from circulation. The department is committed to exposing the criminal mechanisms behind these activities and their organizers, as well as rooting out such detrimental phenomena.