Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday filed the second batch of criminal complaints against five cargo forwarding firms implicated in fraudulent balikbayan box operations. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the filing of complaints against Ikthus Trading Corp., Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders, Me Amoree International Consumer Goods Trading, MT De Guzman Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Cargoflex Haulers Corp. for various violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other applicable laws. The cases involve 3,176 abandoned balikbayan boxes discovered in several ports nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, investigations uncovered alleged schemes involving fraudulent misdeclaration and undervaluation of goods, unauthorized deconsolidation activities, outright smuggling, non-declaration of commercial goods, importation of prohibited and regulated items, and intellectual property rights violations. On May 29, the BOC filed the first batch of criminal complaints against Makati Express Cargo, Inc.
Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno stated, "We will not stop investigating, building cases, and filing appropriate complaints against cargo operators involved in deception and other fraudulent activities that harm our OFWs and their families." Several other cases involving suspected violations by cargo forwarding firms are under investigation and case build-up.
