MTS intends to protect rights of members of Uzbek subsidiary in courts

Added information of MTS (the first version was published on June 29 at 18:02) Azerbaijan, Baku, June 30 /Trend A.Akhundov/ Russian Mobile Telesystems (MTS) is carefully studying the charges brought by the Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan officials against Uzdunrobita, and intends to defend the employees of the subsidiary in the national and international courts of law, MTS told Trend on Saturday. "Tax audits, which did not reveal any major violations starting from the acquisition of shares in Uzdunrobita and till now, were held regularly. We are surprised with finding of a number of violations after the last comprehensive tax audit in February 2012, which found no such violations. We are surprised by the totality of the inspection, the format of which contradict the legislation of the republic, unjustified detention of people. This format of a total and aggressive pressure makes us think about the real causes of the situation, " the company said. MTS believes that the audit of financial and economic activity and prosecution of suspects should be carried out in compliance with the law and can not lead to difficulties in the company. Earlier, Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan distributed the information that it continues to investigate a criminal case against officials of Uzdunrobita. According to the General Prosecutor's Office, a number of "shadow" structures was established, through which the criminal schemes were carried out. In particular, in 2009-2011 under the guise of payment for the alleged work performed and services rendered some 30.2 billion soums were transferred to the accounts of only a few of the identified phony companies. As part of a criminal investigation director of Uzdunrobita Behzod Ahmedov was absentia charged with tax evasion, activities without a license and committing other crimes. Given the fact that Ahmedov had avoided from the investigation, he is wanted. Financial director of Uzdunrobita Temirmalik Alimov Comptroller Radik Dautov were also detained. Uzdunrobita was formed in August 1991 and became the first cellular phone company in Uzbekistan. In August 2004, Uzdunrobita became part of the OJSC Mobile TeleSystems. Following the rebranding conducted in June 2006, the company provided services under the brand name MTS-Uzbekistan. The revenue of MTS-Uzbekistan $ 441 million in 2011, decrease by 1.6 per cent compared to 2010. Capital expenditures amounted to 145.7 million compared to $157.9 million in 2010. Net income decreased by 47.8 percent - to $ 58 million. Subscriber base in Uzbekistan decreased by 6.7 percent - to 9.3 million subscribers. According to the company, reducing of the customer base is associated with a change in subscribers accounting policy. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az