Black Economy Accounts For Over 50 Percent Of All Alcohol Turnover In Russia

Russia's Audit Chamber has established that the black economy accounts for over 50 percent of the total alcohol turnover in the country, according to a report made at the Audit Chamber's Board. This information was obtained during a check on the efficiency of state control over the production and turnover of ethyl alcohol, alcohol-containing and alcoholic products, carried out with a view to increasing the tax base. The report said that, while vodka consumption in Russia exceeds 300 million decalitres, legal vodka production stands at 120-122 million decalitres. Losses of the consolidated budget from illegal production exceed 40 billion roubles ($1=29.70 roubles), including 20 billion roubles in losses of the federal budget.