Uzbekistan Uncovers Large-Scale Tax Evasion Scheme
Uzbek authorities have opened a criminal case over an alleged tax evasion scheme involving six companies and tax officials, with losses estimated at tens of billions of soums.
Uzbekistan's Prosecutor General's Office, specifically its Department for Combating Economic Crimes, has announced the discovery of a significant tax evasion operation. The scheme reportedly involves the leadership of six different companies and several tax officials. A criminal case has been initiated, and the investigation is currently in progress.
The department stated that these infractions came to light during a preliminary inquiry conducted in collaboration with the Tax Committee.
Investigators allege that the six company heads illegally claimed VAT refunds from the state budget, amounting to 32.6 billion soums. Furthermore, they are accused of selling goods valued at 195.9 billion soums for cash, without documenting these transactions through banking channels.
Law enforcement estimates that these companies deliberately sidestepped taxes totaling 42.5 billion soums.
The inquiry also brought to light alleged misconduct by officials within the Tashkent Region Tax Department. Investigators claim that during tax audits, these officials drafted inspection reports that failed to assess additional taxes totaling 5.2 billion soums. The Department asserts that this omission resulted in substantial financial harm to the state.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing.