The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday said that X-ray images of luxury vehicles imported by contractors Curlee and Sara Discaya were tampered with to conceal the vehicles’ true nature and evade proper duties and taxes.
Over 15 customs personnel, including appraisers and examiners, were issued show-cause orders in connection with the irregular importations.
“Some personnel claimed their signatures were forged or appeared electronically without a corresponding wet signature, suggesting a coordinated effort to circumvent the system,” the BOC said in a statement.
The BOC confirmed that many of the Discayas’ luxury cars had no import entry records or certificates of payment, indicating potential smuggling.
Officials described the incident as an “unlawful importation” and a “clear attempt” to protect government revenues. The vehicles included a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a Bentley Bentayga, several Mercedes-Benz G-Class models, and other high-end brands.
The BOC has been investigating the matter in coordination with other agencies and has since recovered all the vehicles involved.
