Uzbekistan Uncovers Large-Scale Tax Evasion Scheme

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General's Office said it had uncovered a large-scale tax evasion scheme allegedly involving the heads of six companies and officials from the tax authorities. A criminal case has been opened and the investigation is ongoing.

The department said the violations were identified during a pre-investigation inquiry conducted jointly with the Tax Committee.

According to investigators, the heads of the six companies unlawfully obtained VAT refunds totaling 32.6 billion soums from the state budget. They also sold goods worth 195.9 billion soums for cash without recording the transactions in banking documents.

Law enforcement authorities estimate that the companies deliberately evaded taxes amounting to 42.5 billion soums.

The inquiry also uncovered alleged violations involving officials of the Tashkent Region Tax Department. According to investigators, during tax audits they prepared inspection reports without assessing additional taxes totaling 5.2 billion soums, which the Department said caused particularly large-scale damage to the state.

The criminal investigation is continuing.