- It all started when the tax inspection employees requested an advance payment for future payments in the amount of 50 million soms. However, due to the difficult financial situation at the enterprise, we had to refuse them. In my opinion, this is why an attempt was made to resolve the issue by armed means, - said Deputy General Director Zhu CHANG.
The investigative department of GSBEP initiated a criminal case under Article 221, Part 1 of the Criminal Code. The reason was an appeal from the head of the GNS department for monitoring large taxpayers K.S. Momunaliev to take measures against our company. Based on the ruling of the Pervomaisky District Court on January 11, 2016, financial police officers conducted searches.
- We consider the initiated criminal case illegal, as the GNS prematurely turned to the investigative authorities: they had the right to do so only after the decision of the desk audit came into force. We do not understand on what basis they recalculated 54 million soms. We do not agree with this amount, which is why we appealed to the state tax service with an appeal against the decision of the GNS. There is still no final verdict on our issue, but a criminal case under Article 221 has already been initiated and illegal searches are being conducted, - said Almaz CHOKMOROV, a lawyer for the "Junda" oil refinery, to "AiF". - With the help of people in camouflage and masks, armed with automatic weapons, all accounting documents related to the sale of fuel and lubricants, 4 processors containing all the information, and the key that manages the shipment of fuel and lubricants were seized at the enterprise. The next day we wrote a petition requesting the return of the key. The transfer took place after 5 days, on January 17.
By the way, since January 13, the administration was forced to suspend the operation of the plant, as it is impossible to work without the equipment that was seized illegally.
- On January 15, during the interrogation of the general director, his deputy Yui Shanlin was detained. Investigators explained their actions simply: "They have operational information that people suspected of large-scale tax evasion may attempt to flee from the investigation."
It should be noted that the deputy general director was initially detained for two days, after which the Pervomaisky District Court ruled to keep him in custody for another 2 months. It is worth emphasizing that Yui Shanlin is only responsible for administrative issues at the "Junda" oil refinery and has no relation to financial activities.
- 54 million soms is allegedly unpaid taxes from the sale of gasoline at a reduced price for export. Yes, we sold gasoline for a cheaper price for export, but export is a flow of new dollars, - said Chokmorov.
- We filed an appeal, and we are currently writing an addition to it. In addition, we are preparing a lawsuit against the actions of the tax authority. We are gathering materials to initiate a criminal case regarding the unlawful actions of law enforcement agencies.
- The employees of the enterprise are very concerned about the situation: after all, the plant is currently stopped, - shared with us Nurbek SULAYMANOV, chairman of the workers' union at the enterprise. - Many families in Kara-Balta live solely on the income of those who work here; some have bank loans that need to be repaid... Right now, while the plant is idle, workers come in, and salaries are accrued. However, the situation is alarming: if the general director is suddenly arrested, no one will receive a salary, and layoffs will have to be made. If the situation with the launch of the plant and the cessation of unlawful actions by law enforcement agencies is not resolved within a month, the employees of the plant will hold a rally at the White House. Citizens want to be heard and for a decision to be made in a legal manner. We have already sent a letter to Prime Minister Sariev requesting to stop the harassment and to address the situation. People are worried about stable salary payments and their loans; they are ready to defend their right to work honestly! About 500 Kyrgyz citizens work at the plant, and each family has at least five members. The plant is essentially a city-forming enterprise; several other plants are already slowly dying, working on a three-day week or with delayed salaries.
- In 2013, I started my career at the plant as a regular employee; now I have risen to the position of deputy head of the oil product acceptance department. I supervise more than 100 people, all of whom are local residents, - says Kuban OROZOV, an employee of the plant. - It should be noted that for the residents of this region, the plant is the main financial source. Many are afraid that the enterprise will close after the recent events, and they will be left without work. I think the financial police acted incorrectly. As eyewitnesses say, the masked fighters with automatic weapons made a lot of noise. This news was shown by various TV channels in the country, and now many buyers do not want to enter into contracts with us - our enterprise's reputation has been "tarnished"! Those who have worked with us for many years are already wondering whether it is worth continuing to work. What if they come to check on them too! This is a blow to Kyrgyzstan's image in the world. Potential investors will now think a hundred times about whether to invest money in a business where they will not be allowed to develop normally! As far as I know, the "Junda" company has been a conscientious taxpayer, salaries were paid on time, and necessary contributions to the tax and social fund were made... The plant administration could have sent everyone on unpaid leave, but despite the halt in production, people are receiving salaries. I, for example, am the only breadwinner. I have parents and three children depending on me. The same situation applies to other workers. If we lose our jobs, there are no alternatives, and it will take months to find work, possibly outside Kyrgyzstan. I would like everything to be resolved quickly so that we can calmly resume our duties!
The plant is our only source of income, and we are ready to defend our right to work, our constitutional right to labor! There are already discussions in the team about possibly having to go out to protests.
I know Mr. Yui Shanlin personally; I have met with him several times for work. He is an honest person who has always worked closely with local and law enforcement agencies, and I find it hard to believe in his arrest. I hope the situation will be resolved!
- As of today, consumers are refusing to purchase fuel and lubricants, fearing they will not receive them due to the plant's shutdown. We were like an investment bridge for other investors in our country (Shanxi province, the beginning of the Silk Road), - admits Deputy General Director Zhu CHANG. - We received delegations of businessmen from China who wanted to invest in Kyrgyzstan, gave them recommendations, and talked about the prospects of working in this wonderful country. What do you think, after such actions by law enforcement agencies, what can we advise our colleagues? During our time of operation, we have invested significant resources in the country: 2.5 billion soms in tax payments, 30 million soms went to charity, we created more than 800 jobs, and sent 88 people for training at the company's expense in China. Our principle is to work legally. We respect the culture and customs of the country. We accept all complaints from supervisory authorities, but we are shocked by the actions of the authorities that occurred on January 11 and the arrest of our employee. We hope that this situation will be resolved within the legal framework. After all, the stability of the company's operations benefits not only the enterprise and our workers but also the country's budget.
P.S.: Perhaps it is time for Kyrgyzstan to start resolving conflicts in a normal, civilized manner, rather than sending fighters from law enforcement agencies, intended to combat terrorism and banditry, to collect imaginary debts?
Grigory Mikhailov, expert at the CIS Countries Institute:
- The Kyrgyz authorities actively invite investors to invest money in the local economy. First, high-ranking officials promise the most comfortable working conditions, quick licensing, comprehensive support, and problem-solving at all levels. The main thing is for the investor to invest funds. After the money is invested, problems arise that can only be solved with "financial contributions" to the pockets of specific officials.
The existence of guarantees given at the highest level in Bishkek, the Kremlin, Beijing, or Washington, unfortunately, does not ensure the normal operation of investors in the remote regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Every president of Kyrgyzstan and every prime minister has promised to improve the investment climate and create a "paradise for business." Unfortunately, none of them has been able to achieve serious progress. The problem of implementing investment projects is systemic and is not tied to specific individuals. The ongoing conflicts surrounding investment projects not only hinder the development of the country but also indicate a serious defect in the governance system of the republics, expressed in three words: unprofessionalism, temporariness, irresponsibility.