Russia And Israel To Join Forces Over Tax Evasion

by Tatiana Smolenska, Tax-News.com, Moscow

04 January 2002

A delegation of Russian tax officials and experts met with their Israeli counterparts in Jerusalem last week, marking the beginning of a joint initiative between the two countries to combat tax evasion.

The anti-evasion drive will focus on business people who operate in both territories, and will initially be concentrated on the energy and diamond sectors, areas in which the two countries have a thriving trade relationship.

Avner Nokrai, Director of Investigations at the Income Tax Authority in Israel was enthusiastic about the progress made during the initial meetings, commenting: 'The talks were held in an excellent atmosphere. Up until now, we've had good relations with the Americans and British, but have been unable to check what is happening in the Eastern bloc.'

Mr Nokrai revealed that although the Israeli authorities are equally keen to establish mutually beneficial links, it was the Russian tax authorities who initiated the proceedings, in the spirit of greater international cooperation and openness. He also revealed that the initial stages of the joint venture will involve the examination of the files of taxpayers from both countries who are involved in international trade.

Attending the meetings on the Russian side were the Commander of the Russian Tax Police, Vasily Selihov, and legal and intelligence representatives. Israeli delegates included the Deputy Tax Commissioner Ephraim Hermoni, Intelligence Director Michel Cohen, and senior tax officials from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.

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