‘Hot cars’ found in Pasay, Paranaque warehouses

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has uncovered P1.4 billion worth of luxury vehicles, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maybach, and Maserati, in separate warehouses in Pasay and Parañaque cities.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) conducted an operation last week following reports and online photos showing allegedly smuggled high-end vehicles being sold illegally.

The operation was carried out to verify the legitimacy of the vehicle importations and ensure that the correct duties and taxes were paid.

“This seizure signals a significant shift in the operational strategies of the BOC, indicating that we will soon witness a more aggressive and proactive approach in our enforcement efforts. It sends a message to all importers who think they’re already safe after their products have already exited the ports,” CIIS Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said in a statement.

CIIS Director Verne Enciso confirmed that the vehicles were discovered inside AC Che Gong Miao in Pasay City and TopCar Specialist and Trading Inc. in Parañaque City, where authorities served Letters of Authority (LOAs) and Mission Orders (MOs) to the sellers’ representatives.

Among the brands found at the Pasay warehouse were Ferrari LaFerrari, Lamborghini McLaren, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Range Rover, Bentley, Alphard, and Jeep Wrangler.

At the Parañaque warehouse, authorities uncovered Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Mansory, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Maybach, and BMW.

“When we received the tip about these vehicles early this month, we immediately verified the information and processed the issuance of the appropriate orders to conduct the operation,” Enciso said.

Following the operation, the team sealed the warehouse doors and assigned personnel to secure the premises.

Deputy Commissioner Uy said individuals responsible for the warehouses, including owners, lessees, lessors, occupants, and representatives, have been given 15 days from the receipt of the LOAs to present documents proving the correct payment of duties and taxes.

If they fail to provide the necessary documents, they will face charges for violating Sections 1400 and 1401 in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.