The State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan has uncovered large-scale tax evasion schemes in the import of perishable goods. According to the press service of Salyk Service, an analysis of trade over 21 months revealed that about US$11.4 million worth of imported goods were not reflected in sales.
The investigation focused on 62 companies that imported goods worth over US$57 million during the period, including citrus fruits, cucumbers, and tomatoes from EAEU countries.
Of the 62 companies inspected, only 27 fully reported their subsequent sales. Twenty-two firms only partially reported their data. Thirteen companies did not issue a single electronic invoice or cash receipt, operating entirely outside the legal framework. This means that more than a quarter of the market participants were active illegally.
The State Tax Service is conducting audits of 22 companies for partial tax evasion. Records of the 13 companies operating entirely illegally have been transferred to the State Committee for National Security for further investigation.
Examples of irregularities were detailed in the report. One entrepreneur opened four companies that imported goods worth US$39.9 million but declared sales of only US$5.7 million. The loss to the state amounted to US$2 million. Another company imported fruit worth US$39.9 million but reported no sales and deactivated its warehouses. A third company imported goods worth US$3.9 million while recording zero figures in its reports.
The State Tax Service emphasized that taxes form the basis for infrastructure such as roads and schools, and that addressing illegal practices is necessary to maintain a fair environment for compliant businesses.
Source: 24KG