On Friday, February 2, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Manila through its District Collector issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against two (2) undocumented Bugatti Chiron luxury sports cars recently seen traversing around Metro Manila and its adjacent cities.
The subject luxury sports cars are composed of two (2) 2023 units; one in blue, bearing the license plate number NIM 5448, and the other in red, with the license plate number NIM 5450, both registered under the names of foreign nationals.
According to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the WSD was issued upon the recommendation of Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group, Juvymax R. Uy.
“The agency received information last November 2023 about the entry of these vehicles without going through regular customs clearance. These vehicles were also being openly advertised in online markets and various social media sites,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Deputy Commissioner Uy also noted that, upon receiving the information, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) initiated a case build-up.
“The CIIS found during the course of the investigation that these vehicles were frequently being seen in the areas of Muntinlupa, Pasig, Pasay, and Cavite. The Management Information Systems and Technology Group (MISTG) of the BOC confirmed that the motor vehicles do not have any import documents on record,” he said.
Director Verne Y. Enciso of BOC-CIIS urged the public to share any information regarding the vehicles.
“We ask the public to give us any information about these vehicles if they see them. They can reach out to the BOC’s Intelligence Group to report any sightings,” he said.
The Bureau urges the public to actively participate in its efforts to combat smuggling. Informers or whistleblowers can receive cash rewards in accordance with Section 1512 of the CMTA and CAO 03-2022, amounting to 20% of the actual revenue collected.
“It’s important that we find these people and let them face the consequences of their actions. Cases like these highlight the audacity of these smugglers, thinking they are above the law. They are shameless enough to even post about these vehicles on social media. I hope we can get information about these as soon as possible because we’re ready to file the appropriate cases against them,” Director Enciso added.
The WSD was issued pursuant to Section 1113(f) and (l-1) of the Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The owner of the vehicles will be required to show cause why the subject luxury sports cars should not be forfeited during the conduct of seizure and forfeiture proceedings. They will also be facing possible charges for violating Section 1401 in relation to Section 1113 of the CMTA.
Commissioner Rubio emphasized that the BOC is vigorously investigating the issue, sending a firm message that “the BOC will not tolerate such unlawful actions and is determined to ensure accountability for those breaking the law. We are now doing everything that we can to address this matter. We are also encouraging the public to participate in our mission to track down the people behind this; should you possess any pertinent information please report it immediately to our office.”
