One-third of inspected importers of mobile telephones, used automobiles and spare parts for them from the EU violate tax legislation, the National Revenue Agency (NRA) said on Thursday.

The violations were detected during checks of 162 facilities for storage and sale of such goods in various parts of Bulgaria, BTA reports.

The NRA inspectors found considerable discrepancies between the amount of goods described in accounting documents and the amount found on the spot during stock-taking. All entrepreneurs found to have committed violations are required to conduct audits. The checks of traders importing goods from the EU who pose a higher risk of VAT fraud will be conducted regularly, the NRA said.

The checks are part of a large-scale campaign which the NRA started at the beginning of last year to enhance control over the observance of tax and social security legislation after the country's accession to the EU.

They are aimed to minimize the risk of non-declaration of in-community acquisitions and non-payment of VAT to the budget. In this connection, checks of traders were ordered in August where there is a significant increase of the quantities of goods and materials in their accounting balances over the last few years.

NRA Executive Director Maria Mourgina said the checks and audits in those economic sectors which hold a risk of tax fraud will not stop "because those who allow themselves to steal from the Exchequer deprive all fair taxpayers of their rights".