Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated 30 criminal charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) against CHG Global Inc., formerly known as World Balance International, and its owners for alleged tax evasion, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ submitted the cases to the CTA on July 9, targeting Barnaby Chong and Bradley Chong for purported violations of Sections 254 (Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax) and 255 (Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

Barnaby, Bradley, and Audrey Suzanne Chong are also accused of violating Section 267 for making false declarations on tax returns, including other statements in the annual income tax returns of World Balance. The total civil liability from these alleged violations is approximately PHP178.889 billion.

The BIR disclosed that four criminal cases were also filed by the DOJ before the Regional and Metropolitan Trial Courts of Caloocan City against the accused on July 16. These charges originated from the complaints previously lodged by the BIR with the DOJ.

The BIR has ramped up its fight against tax fraud through its Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) Program, which aims to combat the use of fictitious receipts from non-existent or ghost companies to avoid taxes. Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. expressed gratitude to Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and the DOJ prosecution team for their prompt action, emphasizing the significance of collaboration in defending honest taxpayers and ensuring fairness in the tax system.