A state-of-the-art digital intelligence toolkit was implemented in the RA State Revenue Committee. On July 3, the official opening of the digital intelligence laboratory (DIL) took place in the committee. The laboratory was established with the support of the Armenian Office of the United Nations Development Program within the framework of the “Tax for Sustainable Development” initiative.
The event was attended by Rustam Badasyan, the President of the RA SRC, Natia Natsvlishvili, Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program, Bergliot Hovland, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Armenia, as well as high-ranking officials of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, UNDP Armenia Office and diplomatic missions.
Welcoming the participants of the event, Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Rustam Badasyan highlighted the joint implementation of a number of programs aimed at improving tax administration with the United Nations Development Program, noting that the establishment of a digital intelligence laboratory is one of the successful initiatives. “Due to the change in the nature of tax crimes and offenses in the modern digital world, their detection has become significantly more complicated, which forces us to introduce more modern digital intelligence tools. The digital intelligence laboratory plays a key role in the collection of admissible digital evidence during the detection of tax crimes and presenting them in court, which greatly contributes to the fight against illegal financial flows,” the SRC chairman emphasized.
UN Development Program Permanent Representative Natia Natsvlishvili also emphasized the importance of this initiative in the fight against tax evasion, fraud and financial crimes. “The opening of the digital intelligence laboratory fully corresponds to the goals of the “Tax for Sustainable Development” initiative. We believe that the laboratory will continue to further develop and expand the capabilities of the SRC to effectively address tax crimes, prevent and regulate illicit financial flows, thus contributing to the mobilization of state resources.”
The opening of the digital intelligence laboratory in the State Revenue Committee was also welcomed remotely by Mr. Markos Roka, head of the OECD “Tax Inspectors Without Borders” and “Taxes and Crimes” portfolio, and Mrs. Natalia Pushkareva, a specialist in the regional program for the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Ambassador Plenipotentiary Bergliot Hovland emphasized that the opening of the digital intelligence laboratory will have a significant impact on tax crimes According to Vijay Gupta, an international expert of the Tax for Sustainable Development initiative in Armenia, establishing a state-of-the-art digital intelligence laboratory in Armenia posed significant challenges, from the supply of advanced technologies to the training of skilled personnel.
As a result of the established cooperation between the State Revenue Committee and the United Nations Development Program, on July 3, a memorandum of understanding was signed “between the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Development Program on the establishment of a digital intelligence laboratory (DIL)” which defines the digital intelligence laboratory. the scope of cooperation to use the full potential. The parties emphasized that the memorandum of understanding is evidence of mutual willingness to further deepen cooperation, providing opportunities for further expansion of cooperation in the field of digitization.
The digital intelligence laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and software, expanding the SRC’s technological capabilities. The software and new tools in the lab enable tax authorities to identify, document, seamlessly collect and identify, as well as process and analyze, digital data contained in electronic devices and media, an essential tool for e-evidence investigations, enhancing the SRC’s ability to detect tax offenses. in the fight against
How can international collaboration enhance the effectiveness of tax crime prevention initiatives like Armenia’s Digital Intelligence Laboratory?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Tax Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen an exciting development in Armenia with the opening of a state-of-the-art Digital Intelligence Laboratory at the RA State Revenue Committee. Could you briefly explain the significance of this laboratory and its broader implications for tax administration?
Tax Policy Expert: Good afternoon! Yes, the establishment of the Digital Intelligence Laboratory (DIL) is indeed a groundbreaking move for Armenia. Its primary significance lies in enhancing the country’s capacity to tackle modern-day tax evasion and financial crimes, which have evolved alongside digital technology. As Rustam Badasyan, the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, pointed out, the nature of tax offenses has changed dramatically, necessitating more advanced tools for detection and prevention.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important point. How exactly does this laboratory intend to facilitate the collection of digital evidence in tax crimes?
Tax Policy Expert: The DIL is designed to leverage cutting-edge technologies and digital intelligence tools, which will help tax authorities effectively gather, analyze, and present digital evidence of tax offenses in a court of law. By employing innovative techniques to track illegal financial flows, the laboratory aims to streamline the process of prosecuting tax evaders and ensuring compliance.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a significant step not just for Armenia, but potentially for other countries facing similar issues. How does the collaboration with the UNDP support this initiative?
Tax Policy Expert: The partnership with the United Nations Development Program is pivotal. Through initiatives like “Tax for Sustainable Development,” the UNDP supports countries in enhancing their tax systems to improve transparency and accountability. The resources, knowledge, and technical support provided by UNDP can significantly bolster the capabilities of the State Revenue Committee, enabling them to address tax crimes more effectively and, ultimately, mobilize state resources for development.
Time.news Editor: Given the international context, how do you think this initiative will resonate with other countries, especially those with existing issues related to tax compliance and financial crime?
Tax Policy Expert: The establishment of the DIL in Armenia could serve as a model for other countries, especially those in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where tax evasion and financial crimes remain pressing concerns. International collaboration, as illustrated by the welcome remarks from OECD officials, emphasizes the global commitment to combating these challenges. By sharing successes and best practices, countries can foster a cooperative environment that addresses financial crimes more effectively.
Time.news Editor: What measures do you think should accompany the establishment of such a laboratory to ensure its long-term success?
Tax Policy Expert: While the technological setup is vital, there’s also a need for comprehensive training for staff at the State Revenue Committee. Capacity building will be essential to ensure that officers can effectively utilize the digital tools available to them. Moreover, the legal framework should also be aligned to support the use of digital evidence in courts. Ongoing collaboration with international bodies and continuous assessment of the laboratory’s impact will also be crucial in adapting to evolving challenges in tax administration.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for those insights! what impact do you foresee this having on public trust in the Armenian tax system?
Tax Policy Expert: If implemented effectively, the DIL can significantly enhance public trust in the tax system. As citizens see the government proactively addressing tax evasion and financial misconduct, it can foster a culture of compliance and transparency. This could lead to greater taxpayer confidence in the system, ultimately increasing tax revenue and enabling better public services.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. It will be fascinating to see how this initiative unfolds in the coming months and years!
Tax Policy Expert: Thank you for having me! I look forward to watching Armenia’s progress in this important area.