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Bosnia is not alone in its struggle with tobacco smuggling. Nearly the whole world engages in smuggling in some form.
The business partner of former Municipality of Stari Grad mayor Ibrahim Hadžibajrić secretly furnished two luxury apartments in a new building near the Markale market, the final design of which was approved by the mayor’s closest associate, Alma Destanović. Hadžibajrić and Destanović are facing trial for illegally issuing a construction permit for the construction of this building.
The construction of the mixed-use building of Amko Komerc near the Markale market was still ongoing when Elmedin Karišik, self-appointed custodian of the property of then-Mayor of the Sarajevo Municipality of Stari Grad Ibrahim Hadžibajrić, decided to furnish two luxurious apartments on the top floor.
He approached the job discreetly, unwilling to share…
Bosnia is not alone in its struggle with tobacco smuggling. Nearly the whole world engages in smuggling in some form.
Despite the efforts of the EU, law enforcement and others, BiH continues to be a trans-shipment point for illegal tobacco. The state budget loses hundreds of millions of KM every year because of cigarette smuggling.
A European Union program did little to bolster small and medium sized business in BiH or to create new jobs. A poorly administered and unmonitored grant program gave equipment to failing or fake companies.
Owners site extortion and inability to collect debts as two reasons their businesses failed.
When thugs and blackmailers target small businessmen, they cannot rely on police or courts to protect them. Businessmen say police never seem to catch criminal and courts are too slow and lenient.
Even when caught in the act of helping smugglers — and recent cases show they are — it is difficult to prosecute or punish customs officers and border police.
Smuggling has gotten sophisticated. A recent case in the Court of BiH offers a look at the relationships and methods that bring illegal goods into the country under the eye of customs and border authorities.
You might as well kiss your money goodbye instead of trying to collect debts in BiH. Rather than relying on courts, small businessmen have become creative when they need to get paid.
Chinese retailers who want to sell cheap goods in BiH must contend with suspicious tax authorities and armed thugs demanding cash.
Long lines, silly rules and a needlessly complex 12-step procedure that only a lawyer could understand make an ordeal of getting a new business officially recognized in BiH.
A look at what it takes to achieve entre-preneurial success in BiH today.
Everything seems to be stacked against small business operators in BiH. Entre-preneurs can expect little or no help from banks or government bureaucrats to get started, and once on their feet, they face high taxes and tariffs. Small businesses can often power a vibrant economy, but it is not happening here.
Bosnia is not alone in its struggle with tobacco smuggling. Nearly the whole world engages in smuggling in some form.
Despite the efforts of the EU, law enforcement and others, BiH continues to be a trans-shipment point for illegal tobacco. The state budget loses hundreds of millions of KM every year because of cigarette smuggling.
A European Union program did little to bolster small and medium sized business in BiH or to create new jobs. A poorly administered and unmonitored grant program gave equipment to failing or fake companies.
Owners site extortion and inability to collect debts as two reasons their businesses failed.
When thugs and blackmailers target small businessmen, they cannot rely on police or courts to protect them. Businessmen say police never seem to catch criminal and courts are too slow and lenient.
Even when caught in the act of helping smugglers — and recent cases show they are — it is difficult to prosecute or punish customs officers and border police.
Smuggling has gotten sophisticated. A recent case in the Court of BiH offers a look at the relationships and methods that bring illegal goods into the country under the eye of customs and border authorities.
You might as well kiss your money goodbye instead of trying to collect debts in BiH. Rather than relying on courts, small businessmen have become creative when they need to get paid.
Chinese retailers who want to sell cheap goods in BiH must contend with suspicious tax authorities and armed thugs demanding cash.
Long lines, silly rules and a needlessly complex 12-step procedure that only a lawyer could understand make an ordeal of getting a new business officially recognized in BiH.
A look at what it takes to achieve entre-preneurial success in BiH today.
Everything seems to be stacked against small business operators in BiH. Entre-preneurs can expect little or no help from banks or government bureaucrats to get started, and once on their feet, they face high taxes and tariffs. Small businesses can often power a vibrant economy, but it is not happening here.
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