Illegal alcohol and cigarette trafficking uncovered in Armenia (VIDEO)

YEREVAN, December 20. /ARKA/. The State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia has uncovered cases of illegal circulation of beverages and tobacco products, the press service of the agency reported.

As a result of operational and investigative measures carried out by SRC employees in 2024, more than 8,500 boxes of cigarettes without excise stamps were found at retail outlets, as well as on the electronic platforms List.am, Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram. It was also discovered that around 1,400 bottles of alcoholic beverages were being illegally circulated within Armenia—some with counterfeit excise stamps, and others without excise stamps at all.

Protocols were drawn up, and administrative proceedings were initiated in accordance with the Tax Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses. As a result, individuals involved in the sale of cigarettes and alcohol were presented with additional tax obligations. The Investigative Committee of Armenia has launched criminal proceedings under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code.

Furthermore, the State Revenue Committee recently received operational information indicating that alcoholic beverages, imported periodically into Armenia in allowed quantities, were being stored in a garage in Noyemberyan for resale.

At the identified address of the garage, 433 liter-sized glass bottles of vodka (brands "Nemirovskaya" and "Finlandia") were discovered, all lacking excise stamps. It was determined that the individual who owned the discovered alcohol had purchased it from a Duty-Free store in Georgia and had been involved in transporting and selling vodka for several months. A protocol on illegal activities was drawn up against him, and administrative proceedings were initiated. The vodka was confiscated.