THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) has seized an estimated P1.4 billion worth of imported luxury vehicles in separate warehouses located in Pasay and Parañaque City on February 13.
The BOC received information about allegedly smuggled luxury vehicles being sold online and immediately verified the information, including checking if the vehicles had paid the necessary taxes. The BOC identified the sellers as AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City and TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp. in Parañaque City.
“This operation signals a new approach in the BOC’s operational strategies in going after smugglers and ensuring collection of rightful revenues due the government. It sends a message to all importers who think they’re already safe after their products have entered Philippine territory thru illegal forms and means. We want them to know that we have eyes everywhere. We are not stopping, and we are not slowing down. We’re always one step ahead of them,” said BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed that luxury vehicles were found at both locations when the BOC-CIIS team arrived to deliver Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to representatives.
“When we received the tip about these vehicles early this month, we immediately verified the information and processed the issuance of the appropriate orders to conduct the operation,” said Enciso.
Director Enciso shared that some of the brands found at AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City included Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini McLaren, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Range Rover, Bentley, Alphard, and Jeep Wrangler.
At TopCar Specialist and Trading Inc. in Parañaque City, the team found a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Mansory, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Maybach, and BMW.
The total estimated value of the vehicles is around P1.4 billion, although the final list will be released after inventory.
The BOC has sealed the warehouse doors and assigned personnel to secure the area. The owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, representatives, or any party responsible for the warehouses have been given 15 days from receipt of the LOAs to submit the necessary documents proving that duties and taxes were paid correctly.
If no proper documentation is provided, they will face charges for violating Sections 1400, 1401 in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
