Azerbaijani apples illegally imported to Armenia - Criminal case launched

Apples that have recently appeared on the Armenian market were illegally imported from Azerbaijan. A criminal case has been launched in this regard – the Armenian State Revenue Committee reported. A few days ago, there were stormy debates on social media over green apples with Azerbaijani excise that appeared in Yerevan stores.

Some photos of Azerbaijani cardboard boxes were also published, where one could read that apples were grown in the Caspian gardens and that this is an environmentally friendly product. But the citizens were still concerned. There were speculations that the Azerbaijani apples could be poisoned. Experts urged finding out who had illegally imported them to Armenia.

The Armenian State Food Safety Service has investigated the matter and confirmed that they were indeed Azerbaijani apples. Also, the Food Safety Service said that the apple’s importer was unknown. It called on the population to refrain from buying Azerbaijani apples. Meanwhile, the State Revenue Committee found out that the apples were imported to Armenia by individuals engaged in some illegal business activity. They repeatedly crossed the Armenian-Georgian border for commercial purposes. Moreover, they bribed Bagratashen customs officials in order to import the apples to the republic.

The case was submitted to the Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office for fact-finding.