If you are a wealthy person living in Tajikistan, it means that either (1) you’re a governmental official, or (2) you’re a former governmental official, or (3) you’re a businessman who avoids paying taxes, or (4) you’re an entertainment star, or finally (5) you’re a drug-smuggler. If you’re not a governmental official and you are wealthy, it means you have krisha (patron – governmental official, literally means “roof”). That is how I understood the recent survey conducted by Avesta (rus).

RFE/RL summarizes the results of this survey in English.

According to Avesta, rich people in Tajikistan do not officially disclose their assets in order to avoid paying taxes. This makes it impossible to know exactly how big their financial fortunes are. So Tajikistan’s list of the 100 richest people is alphabetical order.

The problem with taxes is obvious as it is obvious that if you start your own business, it will be yours till it becomes successful. Once your business is successful you have to share it with someone or give it away for the minor price. It has already become a tradition in our country.

Avesta news agency wrote in introducing the list that its list of wealthy Tajiks is based on the quantity and prices of the people’s houses, cars, businesses and other assets, as well as the frequency with which they appear in expensive restaurants. Avesta said the list does not include wealthy Tajiks living abroad or those who made their fortunes in drug-related activities.

So, if you’re a true taxpayer and a law-abiding person you’ll always live in misery in this country. And if it is so, then why would people live in such a country? It is better for them to go to Russia or any other country, work on construction sites, get paid and live their lives. Even if it is not they way to become wealthy at least they and their families will live in affluence.