The media office of the Ministry of Finance has issued a clarifying statement regarding reports from some media outlets and social media about suspicions in the importation of smartphones related to tax and duty evasion.
The statement revealed: "Approximately two months ago, documented information was received by the Finance and Telecommunications Ministers concerning suspicions related to smartphone imports and potential tax and duty evasion. The ministers, recognizing their joint responsibility to protect public funds and treasury rights, formed a joint committee. This committee included representatives from the Directorate General of Financial Affairs, Customs Administration, and the Ministry of Telecommunications, chaired by a member of the Higher Council for Customs, to verify this information and conduct necessary audits.
The committee has completed its work and submitted its report to the Finance and Telecommunications Ministers through its chairman. The Ministry of Finance continues to follow up on the case in coordination with the Revenue Directorate and the VAT Directorate to complete the administrative and tax investigations and identify the concerned importing companies.
Initial audit findings showed the presence of companies suspected of being fictitious, alongside identifying violations and signs of fraud. Investigations are ongoing to fully determine the responsibilities and the involved parties based on existing evidence.
Upon completing the administrative, tax, and customs procedures, the investigation results, along with the final report, will be referred to the Financial Prosecutor’s Office to take legal action against those proven guilty, ensuring the prosecution of violators, the recovery of treasury rights, and the reinforcement of accountability and rule of law.
The Ministry of Finance reaffirms that it began addressing this issue in full coordination with the Ministry of Telecommunications as soon as the data was made available, and it continues to follow up with all relevant departments and bodies to complete all necessary legal and judicial procedures, stemming from its commitment to protect public funds, combat tax and customs evasion, and enforce the law on all violators without exception."