In a report released at a press conference in Dushanbe, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber, Qarakhon Chillazoda, revealed on January 31 that according to findings by the Accounts Chamber, illegal expense last year cost Tajikistan at 211.3 million somoni (equivalent to 22 million U.S. dollars) corruption has cost Tajikistan at 70.5 million somoni (equivalent to more than 18 million U.S. dollars).
“338 inspections conducted by auditors more than 396 million somoni (equivalent to some 42 million U.S. dollars) worth of damage, which is 225 million somoni more than in 2017,” Chillazoda said, noting that more than 90 percent (336.6 million somoni) of the damage has been reimbursed.
A totaled reportedly included illegal expenses amounting to 211.3 million somoni, shortages and unfounded write-off – 81.8 million, tax evasion – 56.8 million somoni, embezzlement – 23.7 million somoni, overestimation of volumes of repairs and construction – 20.2 million somoni, damage from sale or lease of state-owned property – 1.9 million somoni, and nonpayment of dividend on state shares – 514,000
Recall, the Accounts Chamber was established in June 2011 for the purpose of tightening control of finances as well as conduct audit and assess the national budget. This government institution reportedly controls revenue and expenditure parts of the national budget, off-budget funds and investments coming in the country’s economy from abroad.
The Accounts Chamber is accountable to the President and the Parliament. The Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower house of parliament) elects chief auditors of the Chamber of Accounts upon the recommendation of the President; chief auditor may be elected to not more than two seven-year terms.
