Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority has summarily removed approximately Ksh 240 Million (US$2.4m) from Atlas and its Ethiopian subsidiary, TEAP Glass PLC bank account with the Development Bank of Ethiopia over claims of Tax Evasion.
“ERCA’s actions against Atlas and TEAP which are detailed below stem from a recently issued tax claim made against Ardan Risk & Support Services (“Ardan”) which relates to periods prior to Atlas’ involvement with Ardan (2010-2013). Atlas has received local legal advice that neither it nor TEAP has any liability for any such taxes under Ethiopian law.” The NSE Listed Company said in a statement.
“The Company has been advised by its local team in Addis Ababa that on 10 May 2016, ERCA summarily removed approximately US$2.4m from TEAP’s bank account with the Development Bank of Ethiopia. Atlas will take all available steps to ensure that the Company’s funds are returned. The Company is investigating these matters as a matter of urgency but based on initial feedback believes that the unilateral removal of these funds was unlawful and was in breach of an agreement reached with ERCA. The Board assures shareholders that it will take all available steps to ensure that the Company’s funds are returned and the Board is currently exploring legal, diplomatic and political routes in order to seek redress.”
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