Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi, head of the Economic Security Police of Faraja, at a meeting of the Task Force for Combating Smuggling and Economic Crimes, reported a serious threat of smuggling valued at $30 to $35 billion to the country's economy. He noted the conditions of economic warfare and emphasized that the Economic Security Police, along with other institutions, are utilizing all their capabilities to create order and security in economic activities.
Dimensions of Smuggling Goods and Fuel
Rahimi mentioned smuggling as a serious threat to production, supply of goods, and the import-export chain. He stated that smuggling is not just the movement of unauthorized goods, but it can lead to unemployment, closure of industrial centers, and reduced production. According to him, this phenomenon also has negative impacts on tax payments and customs duties, ultimately harming the country's economy.
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According to estimates from the Central Headquarters for Combating Smuggling, the volume of smuggling in the country is estimated to be between $30 to $35 billion. This figure indicates the extensive dimensions of this issue and the need for effective actions from responsible agencies.
Fuel Smuggling and Economic Challenges
The head of the Economic Security Police of Faraja considered fuel smuggling as another significant example of harm to the country's economy and said: "Approximately 20 to 35 million liters of fuel are smuggled out of the country daily." He emphasized that given the foreign currency costs of supplying fuel, combating this phenomenon must be pursued with greater seriousness.
Rahimi also referred to the geographical position of the northern provinces of the country and stated that these provinces, especially Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, require special attention in combating the smuggling of petroleum products and goods. He added that changing trade routes towards the north of the country necessitates cooperation between the Economic Security Police, border guards, and maritime patrols.
In the first five months of this year, the Economic Security Police successfully discovered 137 million liters of various smuggled fuels. Additionally, Rahimi reported the discovery of about 79 million items of smuggled medicine and stated that a significant portion of drug smuggling is due to reverse smuggling and the exit of drugs from the country.
He also referred to the police's actions in the area of currency violations and stated that according to reports, over $4.2 billion has been returned to the Central Bank and the operating banks. In this context, one of the largest currency debtors has also been arrested.
In conclusion, Rahimi emphasized the necessity of special attention to economic crimes in the current conditions of the country and called for effective and coordinated actions to support economic activists and deal with individuals who harm the country's economy.
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