Photo: Kaliningrad

In 2017, Kazakhstan detected more than 200 offences in the sphere of illegal trafficking in alcohol, reports Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Finance.

"In 2017, 217 offences were detected in the sphere of illegal turnover of alcoholic beverages; in 173 cases the crimes were uncovered. In comparison with 2016, there is an increase in the number of crimes and counterfeit products. In connection with the order of the President in October 2017, an extensive audit carried out in this area, which positively affected the situation. The work done has also influenced the budget revenues from excise taxes, the total amount of revenues increased by 30% compared to 2016 and amounted to 41 billion tenge (in 2016 - 29 billion tenge), "the Ministry said.

Within the framework of this work, 47 underground shops for the production of alcoholic products were terminated. Their main share is in the city of Almaty (13) and Almaty region (11).

"Out of the shadow turnover, 8 million 698 thousand bottles of alcohol were seized, 3,457 thousand 752 false excise stamps and 345,867 litres of alcohol," the Finance Ministry said.

“The Qazaq Times”