Government submits draft bill to Duma limiting possibility of opening criminal cases over tax crimes

MOSCOW. March 3 (Interfax) - The Russian government has submitted a draft law to the State Duma which limits the list of reasons for initiating criminal cases for tax crimes, the Cabinet press service said in a statement.

"The amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure provide for the possibility of criminal cases being initiated by investigative authorities only on the basis of materials from the tax authority indicating the possible existence of a crime in the taxpayer's actions," according to the report seen by Interfax.

It emphasizes that "these norms are aimed at reducing the burden on entrepreneurs in the current geopolitical situation and amid Western sanctions."