BIR Night Raid of Illicit Cigarette Warehouses uncovers Php 838M in estimated tax liabilities

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Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. led the raid of two (2) warehouses in Quezon City and Caloocan City, during the late hours of September 12, 2024 until past twelve (12) midnight of September 13, 2024. The strategy of the Illicit Trade Task Force of conducting a night raid turned out to be the right decision because the BIR seized 1.31 million packs of counterfeit and illicit cigarettes. As a result of this large-scale raid, the BIR estimates a Php 838M in tax liabilities against the illicit cigarette traders.

"This BIR raid of 2 illicit cigarette warehouses in Quezon and Caloocan City shows our commitment to fight illicit trade. The BIR will raid your warehouses even after midnight. The BIR will not rest until illicit trade is exterminated," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

Two large warehouses were raided by the BIR and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-CIDG). An estimate of 60 BIR revenuers and another 60 PNP-CIDG personnel from their Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit were deployed for this large-scale raid that started late evening Thursday, and ended early morning Friday.

"The BIR estimates Php 838M in tax liability in relation to this raid. A total of 1.31M packs of counterfeit cigarettes and illicit whites was seized. The BIR is grateful to the PNP-CIDG for their dedication to fight illicit trade. The BIR welcomes all informants, whether from the public or private sector, who can provide information on possible targets," Commissioner Lumagui added.

The illicit traders responsible for the 2 warehouses violated Section 145 - Cigars and Cigarettes, Section 146 - Inspection Fee, Section 248 - Civil Penalties, Section 249 - Interest, Section 260 - Unlawful Possession of Cigarette Paper in Bobbins or Rolls, Etc., Section 263 - Unlawful Possession or Removal of Articles Subject to Excise Tax Without Payment of the Tax, and Section 265 - Offenses Relating to Stamps of the National Internal Revenue Code.

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