Operational action “EXCISE 22”

Authorised officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) in the operative action codenamed EXCISE 22 in the area of ​​the cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo seized a large amount of tobacco and cigarettes, which were not marked with ITA excise stamps. Also, food products were temporarily confiscated in the area of ​​Sarajevo Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton. The total value of temporarily confiscated goods is estimated at BAM 160,000.

Through operational work in the field and performed analyses, the officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority provided insight and information that a certain number of persons in the area of ​​the cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo are engaged in illegal sales of excise goods. Conducting activities in the field, inquests 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 confiscated from 17 natural persons. These products were not marked with ITA excise stamps and there was no credible documentation on the origin of the goods for them. The total market value of temporarily confiscated goods is BAM 125,000. Field activities were carried out in cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina and according to the orders of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Report on the committed criminal offense and the perpetrator will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina against the suspected persons, and due to the existence of grounds for suspicion that the criminal offense of Unauthorised Trafficking in Excise Products, from Article 210 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been committed.

Also, as part of previously planned activities, authorised  ITA officers from the regional center of Sarajevo, in the locality of the Canton of Sarajevo and Zenica-Doboj Canton, conducted an activity with the aim of preventing the illegal circulation of goods of foreign origin without authentic documentation. By checking and controlling four business entities, ITA officers found and temporarily confiscated food products chocolate Milka with a total market value of BAM 35,000. In accordance with the applicable legal regulations, misdemeanor proceedings will be initiated against 4 persons at the local competent court.

In the course of taking measures within its jurisdiction, specialised equipment and vehicles donated to the ITA by the American Embassy through the EXBS Program were used.

The Directorate for Indirect Taxation of Bosnia and Herzegovina invites all citizens to report any form of customs or VAT evasion, or illegal sale of excise goods, to our open line 080 02 06 07. All calls are free and completely anonymous. Citizens can also send a photo and location where cigarettes and tobacco are sold illegally to Viber number 065 355 155.