THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) last week filed more smuggling cases – this time against luxury car importer Viking Haulers, Inc, which is suspected of swindling the government of P68 million in duties and taxes.
Charged before the Department of Justice for misdeclaration and undervaluation of 10 luxury cars were Reynaldo Pazcoguin, president of Viking Haulers Inc; Rodelito Biag, vice president; and Ofelia Pazcoguin, corporate secretary. Customs broker Benjamin Valic and several John Does were also included in the complaint.
BOC alleged that between January and May this year, Viking Haulers paid only P17.4 million in duties and taxes for three Lamborghinis, 3 Porsches, 3 Mercedes Benzes, and a Masserati Quadroporte, P68.4 million short of the correct amount.
BOC said the company would normally declare shipments simply as “motor vehicles” in violation of requirements that imports be described in full detail for tariff classification and valuation.
Viking only paid P3,257,225.30 for the 2010 model Lamborghini Gallardo when it should have paid P10.6 million; P1.1 million for the 2010 model Mercedes Benz SL 65, when the correct tax was P9.1 million; and P932,980.30 for the 2010 model Porsche GT3, when it should have paid P5.7 million.
Viking has 30 days to pay the remaining unpaid duties and taxes, including penalties, or the BOC will be forced to seize the vehicles from their current owners.
BOC is also conducting an internal investigation to identify customs officials and employees helping importers dodge taxes.
