The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered its agents to seize two Bugatti Chiron sports cars worth P165 million that were recently spotted in Metro Manila and Cavite without proper importation documents.
The two units of the 2023 model sports car—one blue-colored with plate number NIM 5448 and one red-colored with plate number NIM 5450—are registered to Menguin Zhu and Thu Thrang Nguyen.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio issued the warrant of seizure and detention based on the advice of Deputy Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group, Juvymax Uy who said there was already “derogatory information” about the cars since November 17, 2023.
“The agency received information last November 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,” Uy said.
He added that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) conducted a case build-up upon receiving the information.
“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. And subsequently, on November 28, 2023, our Management Information System Technical Group (MISTG) confirmed that the motor vehicles do not have any import documents,” Uy said.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso urged the public to report any sightings of 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 or through the BOC Cares portal to report any sightings,” he said.
The agency is offering cash rewards to informers or whistleblowers under Section 1512 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Customs Administrative Order 03-2022. This is equivalent to 20 percent of the actual revenue collected.
The Warrant of Seizure and Detention (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.
The owners of the vehicles will be requested to present proper importation documents.
If found without the documents, they will face charges for the possible violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of theCMTA. The agency encourages the public to cooperate in its campaign against smuggling.