PHOTOS: This is What P1.4 Billion Worth of Luxury Cars Looks Like
A day before Valentine’s Day, the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) reported uncovering approximately ?1.4 billion worth of luxury vehicles smuggled into the Philippines. During an operation by the bureau’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), the cars seized included high-end brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maybach, and Maserati.
Assorted luxury cars seized by the Bureau of Customs
According to a report by the Philippine News Agency, the BOC identified the establishments involved in the operation as AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City and TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp. in Parañaque City.
The BOC’s official website identified TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp, which is located at 9428 Urma Drive, Parañaque City, as a dealer of pre-owned imported luxury cars. It also specializes in customizing both new and used vehicles.
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This Ferrari was one of the seized cars
“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,” said BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio. “It sends a message to all importers who think they’re already safe after their products have entered Philippine territory through 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."
THe Instagram account of TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed the discovery of luxury vehicles at both locations upon serving the Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to the representatives. He noted that the operation was initiated after receiving tips about these vehicles earlier in the month, leading to immediate verification and the issuance of appropriate orders.
A Mercedes-Benz Maybach
At AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City, the seized vehicles included models such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini McLaren, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Range Rover, Bentley, Alphard, and Jeep Wrangler. In Parañaque City, TopCar Specialist and Trading Corp. housed vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Mansory, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Maybach, and BMW.
Bureau of Customs officials inspect the seized cars
The BOC said it has sealed the warehouse doors and assigned personnel to secure the premises. The responsible parties have been given 15 days from the receipt of the LOAs to submit necessary documents proving that duties and taxes were correctly paid. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in charges for violations of Sections 1400 and 1401 in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
