A case of major tax evasion has been uncovered within the framework of a criminal proceeding being investigated by the Investigative Committee of Armenia. According to preliminary data, the 'Multi Transport' company failed to pay more than 1 billion 137 million drams in taxes to the state budget.
Law enforcement authorities have initiated public criminal prosecution against the company’s director, Artur Dallakyan, and its sole owner and ultimate beneficial owner, Hayk Galstyan. They are charged with evading taxes in exceptionally large amounts through prior agreement, an offense punishable under the Criminal Code.
By court decision, the company's ultimate beneficial owner, Hayk Galstyan, has been remanded in custody. Director Artur Dallakyan has been placed under house arrest, with a bail of 15 million drams and a prohibition on leaving the country imposed as measures of restraint.
The preliminary investigation is ongoing. We remind that, until a final court verdict is reached, the accused are considered innocent.
This case demonstrates a trend toward stricter tax administration, aimed at monitoring compliance with tax obligations by large economic entities. One billion drams is a significant sum, and the events unfolding around it may impact the company's future operations as well as the behavior of other players in the sector.
In the near future, it will become clear whether the preliminary investigation will uncover other similar violations or if this will remain an isolated incident. It is important to follow the judicial process, as it will clarify not only the degree of the accused individuals' responsibility but also the grounds that led to such large-scale damage to the state.
