THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has named several of its officials and personnel as “persons of interest” in the investigation into the smuggling and underpayment of duties on 15 luxury vehicles linked to Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya of Alpha & Omega General Contractor and Development Corp.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno revealed the findings of an investigation that showed eight of the Discayas’ 30 luxury cars were imported without any corresponding entry, classifying them as smuggled. Warrants of Seizure and Detention are being issued for these vehicles. Additionally, seven other vehicles, while covered by import entries, lacked Certificates of Payment and showed deficiencies in duties and taxes.
The vehicles entered the country through various BoC ports, including Batangas, Cebu, Manila, and the Manila International Container Ports.
The identified “persons of interest” within the BoC are now under further scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation. Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the BoC’s commitment to preventing tax evasion and upholding public trust.
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