(Photo courtesy of Bureau of Customs PH Facebook)
MANILA – Nearly 60 criminal and administrative complaints have been filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against unscrupulous traders and brokers during the first six months of the year.
Based on the report of the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS), 57 cases have been filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Of the total, 46 criminal cases are filed against 145 importers, exporters, and customs brokers for violation of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other pertinent laws.
There are also 11 administrative cases against licensed customs brokers before the Professional Regulation Commission.
Data showed the cases involved unlawful importation and exportation of cigarettes valued at PHP250.6 million; agricultural products, PHP163.3 million; electronic devices, PHP137.9 million; general merchandise, PHP77.3 million, motor vehicles, PHP49.4 million; used clothing, PHP23.1 million; and other commodities, PHP18.4 million.
BATAS is under the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group - Legal Service. (PNA)
