SINGAPORE CUSTOMS ARRESTS TWO MEN FOR EVADING DUTIES AND TAXES
2,165 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes seized over two operations on 16 June 2023.
Singapore, 21 June 2023 – Singapore Customs conducted two operations on 16 June 2023 in Jalan Boon Lay and Senang Crescent. Two men – a Singaporean and a Chinese national – were arrested and 2,165 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized, with both the duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounting to
about $231,730.
2 During the Jalan Boon Lay operation, Singapore Customs officers in a carpark had sighted the 47-year-old Singaporean opening the side compartment of a van, while the 27-year-old Chinese national was standing beside it.
The officers moved in to conduct checks and uncovered 700 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes in the van. 15 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes and cash amounting to $4,000 in the possession of the younger man were also uncovered. Both men were arrested.
Investigations revealed that the older man was allegedly engaged to collect duty-unpaid cigarettes from an industrial unit at Senang Crescent and deliver them to the younger man, who in turn was allegedly engaged to deliver the duty-unpaid cigarettes.
3 Singapore Customs officers conducted a follow-up operation at the industrial unit at Senang Crescent, which led to the discovery of another 1,450 cartons of duty unpaid cigarettes.
4 The duty-unpaid cigarettes and vehicle, as well as cash suspected to be linked to the duty-unpaid cigarette transactions, were seized. The total duty and GST evaded amounted to about $212,600 and $19,130 respectively. Court proceedings are ongoing for both men.
5 Buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possessing or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offences under the Customs Act and the GST Act.
Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years. Vehicles used in the commission of such offences and proceeds of sales of duty-unpaid cigarettes are also liable to be forfeited.
6 Members of public with information on smuggling activities or evasion of duty or GST can call the Singapore Customs hotline on 1800-2330000 or email [email protected] to report these illegal activities.
Annex A: Photos of the operations
