Customs officials “helped” supercar importers dodge B897m duty

Price of imported Lamborghinis, Maseratis set unrealistically small

Customs officials 'helped' supercar importers dodge B897m duty
The Customs Department bids off a seized Lamborghini. ( File photo: Somchai Poomlard )

Graft-busters accuse seven customs officials of assisting vehicle importers in evading taxes of 897 million ringgit by accepting unfeignedly small car valuations.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission’s secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, reported on Tuesday that the screen had discovered anomalies between the imports of 33 Maserati vehicles from Ferma Motor Co and 29 Lamborghini cars from Jubilee Line Co and Benznakarin Auto Group between 2011 and 2014.

Mr. Niwatchai claimed that the NACC held eight traditions officials accountable for acknowledging the cars ‘ unrealistically low prices. One of them has since passed away.

The eight targeted customs officers were identified as Chalit Homhuan, the later Ekasit Ratana, Nitchai Romsukwanasan, Sanongchai Lekklang, Thanapol Maneerat, Apichart Yammanee, Pornchai Kettraitip and Saranpong Surarat.

They reportedly cleared the import of the 62 vehicles between Jan. 17, 2011, and Oct. 28, 2014 despite knowing the declared ideals were too small. They had caused injury through loss of revenue totalling 897 million ringgit to the Customs, Income and Excise agencies.

The NACC claimed that the officials allegedly violated major disciplinary violations and anti-corruption laws. Through the attorney-general, it would continue to legal action and seek disciplinary actions against the accused customs officers ‘ leaders.

The NACC even accused the manufacturers of supporting the alleged crimes by state officials.

The three organizations imported 122 Lamborghini and Maserati vehicles, the 62 of which. According to Mr. Niwatchai, the NACC was looking into the specifics of the other 60 vehicles.