Security officials have identified a tax evasion scheme through Telegram bots – Kommersant

In the Central Federal District (CFD), a platform has been identified for the sale of shell companies and fictitious calculation of VAT, reports RBC with reference to sources in law enforcement agencies and the tax service. According to the investigation, services for the so-called “paper” VAT were distributed by Telegram bots. One of the publication’s interlocutors estimated the damage from the site’s operation at 9 billion rubles.

According to RBC’s source, the platform’s services were used by companies, including those receiving budget funding and executing government contracts. “Illegal services were distributed through Telegram bots and mailings to clients who had previously applied for the purchase of fly-by-night companies,” he said.

The Federal Tax Service (FTS) told the publication that all participants in the scheme have been identified, including the direct executors who provided technical support for the scheme, and their clients. A criminal case has been initiated under Art. 187 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on illegal circulation of means of payment (maximum punishment – seven years in prison).

RBC’s source clarified that searches in this case, in particular, are being carried out in the offices of individual entrepreneur Tatyana Andreychuk and her husband Yuri Andreychuk, as well as at their home. According to him, employees of Directorate “K”, the Economic Security Service of the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Investigative Committee and the Federal Tax Service are taking part in the investigative actions. “Companies that are clients of tax consultants are also being searched,” RBC’s source said. According to the Federal Tax Service, searches are being carried out at 10 addresses in Moscow and the Moscow region.

“Individual entrepreneur Andreychuk is suspected of participating in the formation of the so-called paper VAT and creating conditions for non-payment of taxes to her clients. An investigation is underway to determine whether the entrepreneur of companies from the real sector of the economy is involved in tax evasion schemes,” the source said.

“Paper” VAT is a tax evasion scheme, the essence of which is that a company allegedly purchases goods or services from a shell company. In reality, the company does not pay for goods or services; the transaction is formalized only on paper, increasing the input VAT and reducing the final amount of tax payable.