The Bureau of Customs, through its Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) under the Legal Service, has filed smuggling charges against Juljerjac Trading for misdeclaring P7.8 million worth of luxury cars.
Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the criminal complaint is against Julius D. Catalig with office address at Rm. 409 4/F Madrigal Bldg. Escolta St., Brgy. 291, Zone 27, Binondo, Manila, owner of Juljerjac, and Rodrigo de Guzman with office address at 2F Royal Cargo Bldg., Sta. Agueda Ave., Pascor Sto. Nino, Paranaque City, the customs broker who processed the shipment.
Juljerjac’s shipment, according to Lawyer Yassel Ismail Abbas, director of the Legal Service and BATAS executive director, was seized due to misdeclared used black Mercedes Benz, used white Mercedez Benz, wheel, and tires on September 13.
The said shipment declared as containing auto parts arrived on July 29 from Hongkong.
Director Abbas, lawyer Nicy Encinas, and lawyer Anna Puzon led the filing of smuggling charges for violating Section 1400 and 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“The strong evidence of misdeclaration and unlawful importation warrants the filing of criminal cases against the respondents,” Lapeña said.
Commissioner Lapeña has ordered BATAS to speed up investigations on erring importers and brokers and to file necessary criminal complaint against the culprits.
Eyeing the crackdown of smuggled counterfeit items in the country and filing timely criminal charges against them, Lapeña said “this is clear manifestation that we are pursuing the smugglers to the end. They should be held liable for any fraud done against the government.”(BOC-PR)
