BOC tracks down two smuggled Bugatti sports cars
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday, February 2, 2024, issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against two Bugatti Chiron sports cars recently seen in Metro Manila and Cavite without the proper importation documents.
The two units of the 2023 model sports car—one colored blue (with plate number NIM 5448) and one red (with plate number NIM 5450)—are registered to Menguin Zhu and Thu Thrang Nguyen.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio, who agreed to the WSD recommended by Deputy Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy, said there was already “derogatory information” about the cars since November 17, 2023.
“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.
Uy 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,” he said.
BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso appealed to the public to provide information about 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 Bureau encourages the public to cooperate in its campaign against smuggling. Cash rewards await the informers or whistleblowers in accordance with Section 1512 of the CMTA and CAO 03-2022, equivalent 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 the powerful, 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,” 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 owners of the vehicles would be asked to present proper importation documents. If found without the documents, they would face charges for the possible violation of Section 1400 in relation to Section 1113 of the CMTA.
