The Ministry of Finance has detected 3 billion TL worth of Fake Invoices! Occupational groups have collaborated in tax evasion.

The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has intensified its investigations into 4,500 major taxpayers in order to prevent the use of fake invoices as part of its efforts to combat tax evasion. In the initial stage, fake invoices worth 3 billion liras were detected.

According to information obtained from the Ministry, the Tax Inspection Board has accelerated its new efforts in the fight against tax evasion, particularly fake invoices.

SOLIDARITY IN TAX EVASION

Tax inspectors focusing on organizations and entities using fake invoices are also examining their accounting processes, including individuals who receive and issue fake invoices. Teams have also scrutinized professionals involved in these processes with their technical knowledge and expertise. It has been determined that some professionals have a significant number of clients who are either fake invoice issuers or users, and there is a high volume of invoice traffic among them.

In a comprehensive study on the subject, it was found that a certified public accountant who has received 500 disciplinary reports for not complying with professional rules is still actively performing this duty, and almost all of the taxpayers for whom they filed returns are fake document issuers. In another study, it was determined that approximately 100 companies, managed by independent accountants and certified public accountants, systematically issued fake invoices to 2,500 taxpayers.

As a result of these studies, risk criteria regarding professionals will be redefined, and artificial intelligence capabilities will be utilized in the investigations.

As a result of the analysis and evaluation studies conducted by the Ministry, it has been decided to invite approximately 4,500 major taxpayers, who have been identified as having a high risk of issuing fake documents and therefore had their tax liabilities terminated, to explain their involvement in the use of fake invoices, which amounts to approximately 3 billion liras in the initial stage. Those who do not respond to this invitation are expected to be subject to tax evasion charges, depending on the severity of the offense.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY USED IN DETECTING FAKE INVOICES

Mehmet Şimşek, the Minister of Treasury and Finance, stated in his evaluation of the issue that they are conducting new studies regarding those who commit tax crimes through smuggling activities.

Şimşek said, "Within the framework of this new strategy, we are implementing different techniques and methods to detect and punish those who commit tax crimes through organized activities, such as identifying and penalizing those who do not issue invoices or receipts, as seen in examples from around the world."

"PROFESSIONAL" THEFT

Şimşek pointed out that those who organize, manage, provide technical knowledge, and benefit from organized tax evasion crimes committed by issuing fake documents are generally individuals who have knowledge of accounting, legislation, and law. In order to prevent the exposure of the organization, a layered structure involving multiple companies has been established, and especially e-archive invoices have been used in these organizations. Extensive studies, including tracking the phone numbers registered in the system for carrying out these transactions, have been conducted.

Şimşek explained that due to this structure, it is not possible to find a contact person in the companies that are subject to investigation due to the risk of issuing fake documents. He stated the following:

"In this regard, we are strengthening our technical infrastructure by using artificial intelligence capabilities and collaborating with the anti-smuggling and organized crime units of the police and gendarmerie in order to identify the organizers. We are considering establishing a special team within the Tax Inspection Board to combat organized tax evasion crimes and granting different investigation and inquiry powers to tax inspectors who conduct these investigations, as seen in examples from around the world, through legislative changes to be made in the future. In the new period, the detection of crime acts and the punishment of those involved will be ensured, especially by detecting the use of invoices during the period in which they are used. We are working on reviewing the criteria regarding the use of fake invoices, which are defined as a crime act in the legislation, in order to prevent tax evasion crimes from going unpunished. With all these efforts, we are contributing to the increase of justice and effectiveness in taxation and not compromising in the fight against the informal economy."