The final decision reflects a reduction from the amount of 408.5 million rubles or approximately US$14.7 million in tax plus 172.1 million rubles or approximately US$6.2 million in fines and penalties, set forth in the preliminary act of the tax inspectorate for 2002. A significant portion of the tax claim exclusive of fines and penalties (251.3 million rubles or approximately US$9.1 million) is the result of the authorities claiming that, in their opinion, value added tax offsets were made incorrectly. Although VimpelCom does not agree with the claims of the tax authorities, the Company will pay this amount, and the Company is considering, under the current circumstances, whether to appeal some or all provisions of this final decision for 2002.

© "MForum.ru"