Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh issued a decision barring 123 transaction brokers from entering the Finance Ministry’s buildings and finance directorates across all governorates. He also sent a letter to the Accounting and Auditing Council requesting the revocation of licenses for 14 certified accountants, their referral for investigation, and disciplinary action against them in accordance with regulations.
Barnieh’s decision came days after Enab Baladi reported his pledge before the Damascus Chamber of Commerce to revoke the licenses of “corrupt” transaction brokers, contact the Association of Craftsmen on the matter, and bar them from entering finance directorates.
He also pledged to issue a second decision revoking and freezing the licenses of a large number of certified accountants because they are “corrupt.”
Barnieh also warned customs clearance agents who engage in similar conduct that their licenses would be revoked.
Syrian Finance Ministry Sanctions 256 People
The Syrian finance minister said on his personal Facebook page on Saturday, May 23, that the ministry had taken several decisions last Thursday as part of efforts to combat corruption and promote integrity in finance directorates and government financial services. The measures included sanctions against 256 people:
- Suspending 94 employees at finance directorates in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartus, and Daraa, and referring them for investigation in accordance with regulations.
- Referring 25 recently resigned former employees of finance directorates to the Illicit Gains Committee.
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Barring 123 legally licensed transaction brokers from entering the Finance Ministry’s buildings and finance directorates in all governorates. They are prohibited from following up on any financial transactions inside or outside the directorates until further notice, and the relevant craft association will be contacted to revoke their professional licenses.
- Contacting the Accounting and Auditing Council to revoke the licenses of 14 certified accountants and refer them for investigation and disciplinary procedures in accordance with regulations.
Barnieh: Protecting Public Treasury Rights
Minister Barnieh affirmed his strong and unwavering determination to eradicate corruption in all institutions and entities affiliated with the Ministry of Finance.
He said other lists are forthcoming in finance directorates, government banks, the General Commission for Taxes and Fees, the Insurance and Pensions Institution, and other bodies affiliated with the Ministry of Finance. He stressed that he will continue protecting the rights of the public treasury from fictitious importers and those behind them.
Barnieh called on taxpayers and the business sector to submit accurate and sound financial statements, adding, “We will reward those who comply and hold tax evaders accountable. Anti-corruption measures will be accompanied by steps to improve services, facilitate procedures, and digitize services. We will also work to establish an incentive system to encourage and entrench discipline.”
The Syrian minister addressed citizens and taxpayers, saying, “Help us fight corruption, you are our partners in this effort.” He said a phone number had previously been designated to receive complaints via WhatsApp messages, encouraging people to contact it:
+963990150150.
Barnieh to Traders and Industrialists: Submit Real Invoices
The minister had said that anyone with a culture of corruption would be exposed, have their license revoked, and be barred from practicing their profession for five or ten years. He noted that this is not within his authority, but said he would not allow corruption and that it would be eliminated.
He asked how a customs clearance agent or transaction broker could use fake invoices for fictitious importers, adding, “Therefore, all corrupt individuals will be held accountable, as will every trader or industrialist who participates in this culture.”
Barnieh advised traders and industrialists to submit real invoices for their imports, noting that invoice assessments for all imported shipments will be carried out using modern technologies and with high accuracy. He said no case would be handled on a personal basis, and chambers of commerce and industry will be involved in setting indicative prices for goods and merchandise.
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