UIO in action: Goods worth BAM 160,000 seized

(Patria) - Authorized officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority in an operational action codenamed “AKCIZA 22” in the areas of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo cities seized a larger quantity of
tobacco and cigarettes, which were not marked with UIO excise stamps. Also, in the areas of Sarajevo Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton, food products were temporarily seized.

The total value of the temporarily seized goods is estimated at BAM 160,000. Through operational work in the field and analyses performed, officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority obtained
information that a certain number of individuals in the areas of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo are engaged in illegal trade of excise products. During field activities, searches were carried out at three locations, and 254.5 kilograms of finely cut tobacco, 11,679 packs of cigarettes, and 1,255 packs of hand-rolled cigarettes were temporarily seized from 17 individuals.

These products were not marked with UIO excise stamps, and there was no credible documentation regarding the origin of the goods. The total market value of the temporarily seized goods amounts to BAM 125,000. Field activities were carried out in cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office of BiH and according to the orders of the Court of BiH.

A report on the committed criminal offense and perpetrator will be filed against the suspects to the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to the grounds for suspicion that the criminal offense of Illegal trade in excise products, under Article 210 of the Criminal Code of BiH, has been committed. Also, as part of previously planned activities, authorized officers of the UIO from the regional center Sarajevo, in the area of Sarajevo Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton, carried out activities to prevent the illegal trade of foreign goods without credible documentation.

By checking and inspecting four business entities, UIO officers found and temporarily seized food products, specifically "Milka" chocolates, with a total market value of BAM 35,000. In accordance with the valid legal regulations, misdemeanor proceedings will be initiated against 4 individuals before the locally competent court.

During the implementation of measures within their jurisdiction, specialized equipment and vehicles donated to the UIO by the American Embassy through the EXBS Program were used.

The Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH invites all citizens to report any form of customs or VAT evasion, or illegal sale of excise products, to our open line 080 02 06 07. All calls are free of charge and completely anonymous. Citizens can also send photos and locations where cigarettes and tobacco are illegally sold to our Viber number 065 355 155.