SSS uncovers 82 billion UZS in fraudulent VAT refunds

According to the SSS press service, a series of violations were uncovered during operations aimed at combating corruption and economic crimes.

Specifically, it was found that certain tax officials manipulated data in the "Stability Rating" system for personal gain. As a result, risk ratings were artificially lowered and performance scores were inflated for 18 business entities. This manipulation enabled these companies to illegally receive VAT refunds from the state budget totaling 82 billion UZS.

In connection with the incident, the SSS’s Investigation Department has opened a criminal case under Articles 167 (Embezzlement or Misappropriation) and 209 (Official Forgery) of the Criminal Code.

As part of the investigation into the unlawful refund of 5.5 billion UZS in VAT to an LLC engaged in wood imports, two Tax Committee employees were taken into custody. The company’s director, accountant, and two unofficial managers have also been named as suspects. All six individuals are being held in pre-trial detention.

Searches conducted at 16 properties linked to the suspects led to the seizure of $79,000, 161 million UZS in cash, three Li9 electric vehicles, a Gentra and a Nexia 3, 1,268 packs of Terea-branded electronic cigarettes, 27 electronic keys, seals, computers, and mobile phones — all properly documented as evidence.

The SSS reported that investigations are ongoing into other business entities that illegally obtained budget funds.

The Tax Committee’s press service noted that these violations were initially uncovered by its internal security department and were brought to light in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Legal measures are currently being taken, and the Committee stated it would enforce strict internal disciplinary actions in response to such offenses.